Norwegian regional airline Widerøe has expanded its participation in De Havilland Canada’s Extended Service Program PLUS (ESP+), adding four more Dash 8-100 turboprops to the programme during the Farnborough International Airshow.
The agreement increases Widerøe’s confirmed participation from 10 to 14 aircraft. The airline became the launch customer for ESP+ in 2022 and still holds options to enrol up to 10 additional aircraft.
The ESP+ programme extends the operational life of the Dash 8-100 from 120,000 to 160,000 flight cycles, giving the aircraft the highest flight-cycle limit of any commercial airliner. The programme is designed to help operators maximise fleet life while reducing ownership costs.
Widerøe has operated the Dash 8 family for decades, using the aircraft to connect remote communities across Norway. The airline said the programme provides a cost-effective way to keep the Dash 8-100 in service while maintaining the safety, reliability and performance required for its regional operations.
In addition to ESP+, Widerøe also participates in De Havilland Canada’s Component Solutions programme, which provides comprehensive component support for the airline’s fleet.