At the Farnborough International Airshow, aircraft manufacturer De Havilland Canada announced upgrades to the cabin of the Dash 8-400 aircraft on Tuesday. In addition, the company will introduce new features that will improve operational efficiency; among them, an increased in the weight of the aircraft.
Cabin upgrades
The manufacturer is reportedly investing in redesigning the interior of the Dash 8-400 to introduce improvements that will bring more functionality and flexibility. The new features include:
- Starlink satellite internet connectivity: high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity provided by SpaceX’s satellite network, which offers global coverage. De Havilland Canada’s work to integrate the in-flight Wi-Fi system marked the first agreement of its kind between Starlink and an aircraft manufacturer.
- Wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) system: it will allow passengers to access audiovisual content from their personal devices. The company highlighted the reduced weight and maintenance cost of the new solution compared to traditional in-seat display systems.
- USB power supply in all seats: the connection ports will be located in the middle of the two front seats. Their implementation will not reduce space.
- Expansion of overhead luggage compartments: with the replacement of the doors and locking systems, the new bins will be able to accommodate items up to 22 inches (55 centimetres) in length.
- Pictorial illuminated signage: visual signage will feature symbols indicating the location of aircraft exits and lavatories. The design will be similar to standard airport signage. This will eliminate the need to incorporate translation between languages.
- New decoration: the overall visual appearance will be improved by the implementation of new materials in carpets, partition panels and seat covers.
- LED interior lighting: the new lighting system will enable dimming of the light intensity. It will also reduce maintenance costs compared to fluorescent lighting.
Operational enhancements
- Design weight increase: the new Dash 8-400 design will include an increase in the overall weight of the aircraft. Based on the new features, the aircraft will be able to carry up to 3.000 pounds (1.360 kilograms) of additional payload (maximum weight without fuel). The new capacity will reach an additional 2.000 pounds (907 kilograms) in MTOW (maximum take-off weight). In addition, and as reported by the company, an increase of 650 pounds (295 kilograms) in the rear luggage compartment is being developed for those operators requiring additional capacity.
- New oxygen masks: new APPOS device with chemical oxygen generators. Each mask will be capable of supplying oxygen for 22 minutes.
- Extra capacity: the front cabin baggage compartment will be replaced by seats. This will gain space and improve the experience for passengers seated in the front row.
Seating reconfiguration: seats on aircraft currently in service can be rearranged without the need to replace existing structures. Operators will be able to increase capacity and thus improve revenues. Unit costs will be reduced.
See also: De Havilland Canada unveils three Dash 8-400 conversion to freighter options at Farnborough
