De Havilland Canada launches Re-Life STC programs for the Twin Otter
On July 22, 2026 at Farnborough, De Havilland Canada announced that its Re-Life STC programs for the DHC-6 Twin Otter are now available to operators worldwide. These are factory-backed solutions designed to extend the service life of key structural components of the aircraft.
According to De Havilland Canada, the company acquired the Re-Life STC programs and subsequently worked with Transport Canada on their transfer and validation. These supplemental type certificates are now part of its aftermarket support portfolio.
The company states that the programs offer approved solutions for extending the life of selected structural parts. According to De Havilland Canada, the goal is to help operators better utilize the value of their aircraft, support safe and reliable operations, and facilitate long-term fleet maintenance planning.
Rob Mobilio, Chief Commercial Officer of De Havilland Canada, said the company had invested significant effort in validating these STCs to the standards customers expect from an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). He said that making the Re-Life programs available directly through the aftermarket gives operators access to factory-supported life-extension solutions that help protect their investment and keep the Twin Otter flying for years to come.
Scope of the offered STCs
- Wing Box – extends the wing box's service life by replacing key structural parts, adding up to 33,000 flight hours or 66,000 cycles.
- Flight Controls – extends the life of the flaps, ailerons, rudder and elevator by replacing critical structural parts, adding up to 66,000 flight hours or 132,000 cycles.
- Engine Nacelles – replaces engine nacelles with STC-approved parts, extending service life up to 45,000 flight hours or 90,000 cycles.
- Fuselage, Horizontal Stabilizer, Vertical Stabilizer – extends the life of the fuselage and horizontal and vertical tail surfaces by replacing critical structural parts, adding up to 66,000 flight hours or 132,000 cycles.
De Havilland Canada also said the first sold Flight Controls Re-Life STC is expected to be incorporated this year.
In its company profile, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited describes itself as a key pillar of the Canadian aerospace industry, designing, building and supporting aircraft in Canada for the global market. The company adds that every aircraft it produces creates valuable jobs, strengthens the domestic aerospace industry and contributes to a resilient, growing economy.
The company also highlights a fleet of more than 5,000 delivered aircraft operating worldwide and a reputation for rugged, reliable machines suited to demanding conditions. According to its own description, De Havilland Canada aircraft are used for aerial firefighting, search and rescue operations, air ambulance services and survey missions, among others, carrying millions of passengers and vital cargo to remote and busy destinations alike every year.