Shorts C-23C Sherpa Makes Homecoming to Belfast City Airport

August 13, 2026

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A Belfast-built C-23C Sherpa, C-GSHP (c/n SH3402, formerly SH3695), made a notable return to its birthplace when it routed through Belfast City Airport on 26-27 July following its appearance at the FIA Farnborough International Airshow.

Operating under the callsign “De Havilland 3402”, the aircraft named “Pack Rat” and operated by Longview Aviation Leasing transited Belfast before continuing across the North Atlantic to Keflavik, Iceland.

The visit marked a homecoming for an airframe whose history stretches back more than four decades. Constructed at Shorts’ Belfast production line as a Shorts 360-200 (manufacturer’s serial number SH3695), the aircraft completed its maiden flight in Belfast before entering an eventful commercial career.

Originally intended for Okada Air of Nigeria as 5N-AOX in April 1984, the aircraft was never delivered to the customer. Instead, it was placed with Aer Lingus Commuter, entering service in March 1988 as EI-BVM name d “St. Maeve”. Following its Aer Lingus service, ownership transferred to BAC Leasing, where it became G-TBAC in October 1992 before being leased to Newcastle-based Gill Air during 1993.

A far more specialised role awaited the aircraft when it was sold in June 1994 to Shorts Aircraft Delivery Inc. of Arlington, Virginia, for conversion to the military C-23B+ Sherpa configuration. Re-registered N419SA, it emerged in May 1995 with a new constructor’s number, SH3402, reflecting its remanufacture programme.

Following conversion, the aircraft was delivered to the U.S. Army in May 1997 as 93-1318, serving with the West Virginia Army National Guard in the tactical transport role. The C-23 Sherpa fleet became well known for its utility missions, carrying personnel and cargo into short and austere airstrips while retaining the dependable handling characteristics of the civilian Shorts 360.

In 2023, the aircraft entered a new chapter after being acquired by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, which now holds the Shorts type certificates. As part of the programme, the aircraft received a comprehensive avionics upgrade before joining Longview Aviation Leasing’s fleet.