Kenya-based Advantage Air has purchased two Dash 8-400 Package Freighter Conversion Kits from De Havilland Aircraft of Canada.
On schedule for delivery in late 2025, the Package Freighter Conversion Kit offers a permanent reconfiguration of the Dash 8-400 aircraft from a passenger layout to a dedicated cargo platform.
The conversion features nine distinct loading zones with eight radial spider nets providing tie-down and restraint functions. Smoke detection systems are fitted and a cargo loading system is also available for palletised cargo.
With short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability, high dispatch reliability, and low operating costs, this solution increases operational efficiency and aligns with regional carriers’ need for high-yield, flexible aircraft operations, said De Havilland.
“We are proud to continue our collaboration with Advantage Air as they expand their cargo operations from their home base at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, Kenya,” said Ryan DeBrusk, vice president of sales and marketing at De Havilland Canada.
“Their decision to invest in our Package Freighter product highlights the value of our dedicated cargo solutions and the growing demand for reliable, rugged aircraft in regional markets.”
Captain Mohammad Somow, chief executive at Advantage Air, added: “Our investment in the Package Freighter Kit program marks an important milestone in our fleet strategy.
"These kits enhance our capacity to meet cargo demands with speed, reliability, and efficiency – leveraging the proven durability and performance of the Dash 8-400.”
De Havilland offers three freighter conversion options. The first of these is the Dash 8-400, F-LCD (Large Cargo Door).
The Dash 8-400 Quick Change (Dash 8-400 QC) offers the ability for operators to quickly convert a Dash 8-400 aircraft between all-passenger and all-cargo configurations as market conditions require swiftly.
And De Havilland Canada’s Dash 8-400 Package Freighter (Dash 8-400 PF) enables bulk loading of various sizes of cargo, such as e-commerce packages.
De Havilland launched the three Dash 8-400 aircraft cargo conversion solutions in 2022.
