The UK Home Office will double its fleet of Dash 8 turboprops in maritime surveillance configuration
to tighten the monitoring of small boats carrying irregular migrants across the English Channel.
Like the first, the second aircraft will be operated by PAL Aerospace (SPR, St. John's),
The second aircraft is expected to enter service in spring 2025.
By doubling the fleet,
the Home Office Small Boat Command will be able to provide round-the-clock monitoring
for around 200 days when the weather is good enough to permit small boat crossings.