The avionics upgrade program modernizes the Dash 8-100/-200 aircraft and adds open world communication capabilities.
TUCSON, Arizona – June 19, 2025 – Universal Avionics (UA) today announced that Widerøes Flyveselskap AS (Widerøe), Scandinavia’s largest regional airline, is upgrading its Dash 8 fleet with the InSight® flight deck and connected avionics solution as part of De Havilland Canada’s upgraded avionics suite. Widerøe is the launch customer of this modernized cockpit solution, with its fleet of Dash 8-100/200 aircraft.
De Havilland Canada selected Universal’s InSight flight display system and Connected Avionics apps to increase navigational capabilities and sustain the fleet well into the next decade. The Dash 8 modernization program serves as a compelling case study for airlines worldwide, showcasing a viable path to upgrade established fleets, enhancing operational capability, and extending aircraft utility while addressing the demands of modern airspace.
"The avionics modernization program from De Havilland Canada for the Dash 8 brings Universal’s advanced display system to the airline market," said Dror Yahav, CEO of Universal Avionics. "We are proud to help DHC and Widerøe extend the life of their reliable Dash 8 aircraft and ensure continued reliable service for their passengers with a modernized, more capable fleet."
Universal’s InSight flight display system installation on the Dash 8 brings:
- Increased Efficiency: Enables LPV and RNP approaches down to 0.1nm to expand the range of airports where precision approaches can be performed, and saves 15 minutes or more on a typical flight with CPDLC Departure Clearances while providing constant communication with the airlines’ operational center via ACARS.
- Modern Information System: Five high-resolution LCD panels with synthetic vision, advanced digital maps, engine indication, weather, traffic information, and more.
- Digitize Aging Equipment: The modernization eliminates several Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), removing obsolete CRT displays, improving aircraft availability and reducing operating costs.
- Intuitive Interfaces: Digital features and touchscreens improve the user interface and virtualize many separate control panels.
- Connected Avionics: Extensive aircraft data is made available via a cloud-based platform post-flight, while automated database delivery helps technicians save 45 minutes on monthly aircraft updates.
About Universal Avionics
For over 40 years, Universal Avionics has been at the forefront of commercial aviation innovation, turning visionary ideas into real solutions that increase safety and efficiency. From pioneering the world’s first flight management system, to breakthrough enhanced flight vision achievements with dual head-wearable displays, our legacy is built on shared passion to connect what's next.
As a subsidiary of Elbit Systems, Universal delivers a comprehensive suite of advanced avionics for situational awareness, precision navigation, and operational flexibility – all engineered and manufactured with the future in sight. We partner with OEMs, airlines, business aviation, and mission operators to upgrade their craft, streamlining communications and simplifying workflows in an integrated flight deck experience backed by intelligent analytics across all flight phases.
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