De Havilland launches freighter conversions for DHC-8-400

During the 2022 Farnborough Air Show, De Havilland announced three cargo solutions based on the DHC-8-400, enabling the manufacturer to tap into the growing freighter business.

The first solution offered is the DHC-8-400 Quick Change, or QC. This version enables the operator to switch the configuration of the aircraft between a full passenger lay-out or a full cargo lay-out, carrying packages in the main cabin.

Another version launched is the DHC-8-400 Package Freighter, or PF. The PF will be able to be bulk loaded and is mainly targeted to carry e-commerce packages. An optional cargo loading system for palletized cargo is also an option for this version.

Finally, De Havilland also announced the DHC-8-400 Freighter with Large Cargo door, dubbed the DHC-8-400F LCD. This version is based on the PF but will feature a large cargo door, sized 2.8 x 1.8 m. It can carry standard LD1/2/3/4 containers, for instance eight LD3s.

So far, the manufacturer hasn't mentioned any customers yet for conversions.

Illustration by De Havilland.