MONTREAL — De Havilland Aircraft of Canada is urging governments to establish a national water-bomber fleet as demand stretches its aircraft backlog into the next decade, The Canadian Press reported October 18.

Company vice-president Neil Sweeney told CP that 38 aircraft on order are sold out through 2034. They include six for Ontario, five for Alberta and three for Manitoba. The first DHC-515 delivery is expected in early 2028.

Sweeney argues that a Canadian order for 50 aircraft could help finance a second production line at the company’s new plant east of Calgary. That is the manufacturer’s proposal, not confirmation that Ottawa has placed such an order.

CP also describes an unfinished draft Canada–European Union announcement involving 50 planes. Whether those would include existing orders is unclear; TNC is not treating the draft as a completed purchase.

In a separate March 10 production update, De Havilland said its first aircraft structures were being assembled and a cockpit and hull had been joined in Calgary. That earlier manufacturing report is background, not today’s order count.

Sources: The Canadian Press via iNFOnews, October 18; De Havilland production update, March 10.

Lead image: Flag of Canada via Wikimedia Commons, public domain. Geographic illustration, not a photograph of an aircraft or a new purchase.