On June 5, 2006, Perimeter Aviation welcomed its first Dash 8-100 into the fleet, beginning a new chapter that would go on to shape the future of the company. What started as a single aircraft introduction has grown into a staple of our operations, representing 20 years of growth and dedicated service to the remote communities we serve.
Since then, a total of 13 Dash 8-100s and 9 Dash 8-300s have been introduced into the Perimeter fleet, with all nine Dash 8-300 aircrafts still in operation.
Over the past two decades, the Dash has become more than just an aircraft in our operations. Built for performance in challenging environments, the Dash 8 has proven itself time and again, being equipped to handle the short runways and remote airstrips that come with Northern travelling. It’s these capabilities that have made it the ideal aircraft for connecting the communities we serve, many of which are only accessible by air.
Since 2006, our Dash fleet has completed a total of 180,060 flights, accumulating 168,153.4 flight hours. Each one of those hours represents essential travel and cargo shipments that are vital to the communities across Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.
Celebrating 20 Years: Dash Fleet Highlights
To mark this milestone, here are a few highlights from our Dash fleet:
- Aircraft Registration Dedications: Our two most recent aircraft were registered as tributes. YCM honours the late Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, while HNI recognizes the father of Maintenance Manager, Mark Ireland. Mark was instrumental in introducing the Dash 8 to our fleet. Both commemorations provide reflection on the strong personal connections to our aircraft.
- C-GESH Naming Contest: An internal contest was held at the time the aircraft was ready to be registered and former Perimeter Flight Attendant, Patrick Belen, chose GESH, which stands for, “GUIDANCE, EMPATHY, SMOOTH LANDINGS, and HOME, reflecting the care, comfort, and connection Perimeter Flight Attendants provide on every journey.”
- First Dash Crew: The first crew of WPS were Captain Boulton, Captain Lauren, First Officer McFadden, First Officer Wilson, and Flight Attendant Tresoor
- Longest-Serving Aircraft: WPS holds the title for the most flights logged, with an impressive 30,494 flights over its time in service.
- Today’s Fleet: Perimeter’s current Dash fleet includes 17 aircraft, made up of 8 Dash 8-100s and 9 Dash 8-300s.
- First Dash 300: JYZ is the first Dash 8-300 that was added to the fleet, with 19,123 flights logged since.
- Service Growth: More than half of today’s Dash fleet has been added since 2020, with 10 aircraft joining in the past six years.
As we celebrate 20 years of the Dash 8 at Perimeter Aviation, we also recognize the people behind it. Our pilots, maintenance teams, dispatchers, ground crew, and support staff keep these aircraft flying every day.
Here’s to many more years of the Dash, we’re proud to have a Dash 8 fleet, and look forward to continuing to provide the essential travel to connect people and communities of remote communities.