The De Havilland DHC-8 is a twin-engine turboprop regional airliner manufactured by De Havilland Canada. It is the most successful and widely used of the Dash 8 family of aircraft and is a popular choice for short- to medium-range regional flights. The DHC-8 is an evolution of the Dash 7, a four-engine turboprop airliner produced from the mid-1970s to the early 1990s.

De Havilland decided to manufacture the DHC-8 in response to the increasing demand for more efficient regional airliners. The DHC-8 has a much better fuel efficiency compared to the Dash 7, making it more attractive to airlines looking to save costs. The aircraft also has a much higher cruise speed, allowing for faster travel times between destinations. Furthermore, the DHC-8 has been designed to be more comfortable for passengers, and with a much lower noise level than the Dash 7.

The DHC-8 is a very common aircraft and is currently used by various airlines all over the world. It is the most popular regional airliner and has been in operation since 1983. Over 1,200 DHC-8s have been manufactured and delivered, with more than 900 still in operation today.

The DHC-8 has had some issues with safety over the years, mainly related to its engines. In 1995, a DHC-8 operated by Air Ontario crashed due to a faulty engine, killing all 24 passengers on board. In 2005, a DHC-8 operated by WestJet had to make an emergency landing due to an engine failure. Despite these incidents, the DHC-8 has an excellent safety record and is considered to be one of the safest regional airliners in operation.

The DHC-8 has also been praised for its various innovations and new technologies. It was the first aircraft to be certified with a modern digital flight control system. The aircraft also features state-of-the-art avionics and cabin amenities, such as LED lighting and onboard WiFi. Furthermore, the aircraft is equipped with a sophisticated autopilot system that allows for more precise and stable flight control.

The DHC-8 is a relatively modern aircraft compared to other regional airliners, and it offers a significant improvement in performance, efficiency, and safety. It is an ideal choice for short- to medium-range regional flights, and its fuel efficiency and low noise levels make it a popular option for airlines. The DHC-8 has been in operation for over 30 years and is still going strong.