Fleet file

De Havilland Dash 8-400

The Dash 8-400 is the regional turboprop scale-up: up to 90 seats and lower unit cost than smaller aircraft when the seats are actually filled. It is a Phase 3 aircraft for contracts, not speculative launch supply.

Manufacturer
De Havilland Canada
Primary role
FIFO
Economics
Indicative AUD only
Why it fits

The first high-capacity FIFO step if mine shutdown, surge rotation or full-route contract demand is already secured.

Specifications

Seats / payloadUp to 90 passengers
RangeApprox. 1,100-1,700 nm depending configuration
Cruise speedApprox. 360 KTAS max cruise class
Runway requiredRegional airport runway; approx. 4,600 ft+ planning class
Engines2 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A

Indicative economics

acquisition UsedIndicative AUD $13M-$35M depending age and market
hourly Operating CostIndicative AUD $9k-$11k/hr planning band
notesOnly makes sense against contracted FIFO or dense regional work with crew, maintenance and spares depth.

Suitability

FIFORegional passengerHigh-capacity charter

Sources