Dehavilland Canada Dhc-7

Quad Turboprop· 8 globally registered

The de Havilland Canada DHC-7, universally known as the Dash 7, stands as the only four-engine turboprop airliner purpose-built for extreme short takeoff and landing performance. Introduced in 1978, it was designed to operate from constrained urban airports and remote gravel strips with minimal noise. Its four Pratt & Whitney PT6A-50 engines and high-aspect-ratio wing allowed takeoff runs under 2,000 feet and approaches steep enough to clear downtown obstacles. The type became legendary for serving London City Airport's famously tight approach path and for pioneering scheduled service into places like downtown Toronto's island airport. With a stall speed around 63 knots and approach speeds in the mid-80s, the Dash 7 could land slower than many business jets while carrying 50 passengers in pressurized comfort to altitudes up to 21,000 feet. Though only 113 were built before production ended in 1988, the type carved out a niche in Canadian bush operations, Caribbean island-hoppers, and specialized commuter routes where its unique capabilities outweighed its higher operating costs compared to twin-engine competitors. Today the Dash 7 remains in service primarily with cargo operators and northern Canadian carriers, prized for its ability to haul meaningful loads into short, unprepared strips that would ground conventional regional aircraft. SkyMeter has tracked 23 flights across 4 airframes and 2 operators over routes, with AIR TINDI LTD. the largest observed operator.