Maldives Tourism Relies on 60‑Year‑Old Twin Otter Design, New Deal at Farnborough

At the July 2026 Farnborough Airshow, De Havilland Canada signed a letter of intent with Island Aviation Services of the Maldives for two new‑generation DHC‑6 Twin Otter Classic 300‑G aircraft. The Classic 300‑G is lighter and features a more advanced flight deck than earlier Twin Otters, yet it remains part of the same family that celebrated its 60th anniversary last year. The Maldives’ $5 billion resort economy has long depended on the Twin Otter’s ability to ferry tourists to remote islands. The new aircraft will help sustain that link while offering improved efficiency and safety for the island nation’s aviation operations.