From Opening the Canadian North to Connecting Colombia, a Legendary Aircraft Reaches a Historic Milestone
Calgary, Alberta - De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) proudly celebrates a defining moment in aviation history with the delivery of its 1000th DHC-6 Twin Otter. This landmark aircraft, along with the 999th Twin Otter, will be joining the fleet of SATENA, Colombia’s state-owned regional airline, marking both a global production milestone and a meaningful chapter in a growing partnership.
Reaching 1000 Twin Otters produced and delivered is a powerful testament to an aircraft that has become an icon of rugged reliability, versatility, and purpose-driven design. Originally built to open up the Canadian North, the Twin Otter has spent decades connecting remote communities, supporting economic development, and operating in environments where few other aircraft can perform. Today, that same spirit of connection continues in Colombia, where this milestone aircraft will help link communities across mountains, jungles, coastlines, and rural regions.
“Delivering our 1000th Twin Otter is a proud milestone for De Havilland Canada,” said Brian Chafe, CEO of De Havilland Canada. “Built to connect people in the world’s most challenging environments, the Twin Otter’s success reflects the skill and dedication of our teams and the trust our customers have placed in this aircraft for generations. We’re pleased to see it continue serving communities around the world.”
The aircraft represents SATENA’s fourth De Havilland Canada aircraft, reinforcing a partnership grounded in performance and shared purpose. For SATENA, whose mission is centered on serving remote and underserved regions of Colombia, the Twin Otter is more than an aircraft, it is an essential tool for national integration and opportunity.
“We are honoured to receive the 1,000th Twin Otter,” said Major General Óscar Zuluaga, President of SATENA. “This aircraft will play a vital role in strengthening connectivity throughout Colombia. As we welcome our fourth De Havilland Canada aircraft, we celebrate not only a milestone in aviation history, but a continued commitment to serving communities that rely on us every day.”
For more than six decades, the DHC-6 Twin Otter has proven itself as the benchmark for utility aviation, from Arctic operations to tropical climates, humanitarian missions to commercial service. Its exceptional short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance, durability, and adaptability have made it one of the most reliable aircraft programs in Canadian aerospace history.
The 1000th delivery is more than a number, it is a celebration of the people who design, build, maintain, and operate the aircraft, and the countless people around the world whose lives have been connected because of it.
As the Twin Otter continues its journey into the future, one thing remains unchanged: it was built to open up the North, and it continues to open up opportunity wherever it flies.
