16 February 2016
Viking Air of British Columbia has launched the latest commercial seaplane version of its reinvented Twin Otter Series 400, the 400S. The launch is at the Singapore Airshow which opened today at Changi Exhibition Centre.
The Viking 400S is specifically designed as an economical seaplane for commercial operation on short to medium flight segments, and will be offered at a list price under $6.0 Million (USD). Viking Air is the type certificate holder of a number of de Havilland aircraft including the Twin Otter.
Viking says the 400S has been adapted for a quick turn-around at stops and can achieve a breakeven with 8 passengers under typical operating conditions. The quick stop is helped by an avionics-dedicated battery which allows cockpit screens to remain live during short loading intervals. Loading of passengers and their luggage has been speeded up with modified double swing-out aft passenger doors and internal access to the rear baggage compartment.
The Viking 400S Seaplane is equipped with Honeywell’s ‘Super-Lite’ integrated digital avionics suite adapted for VFR operations. There are also new generation composite floats and the two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-27 turboprop engines platinum coated CT blades. The standard 400S can seat 17 passengers, or it can be configured for up to 19, or 15 with cargo.
“The Twin Otter is already the world’s most successful commercial seaplane,” said Evan McCorry, Viking’s vice-president of International Sales & Marketing. “With the modifications we are making to streamline the flight deck and optimise the aircraft for seaplane operations, we see our market share expanding even further.”
