The Dash 7, which entered service in 1978, is a short- to-medium-range, four engine, high-wing transport. A cargo door was added to the original Dash 7-102 series to create the 103 series. The aircraft was further modified to create the 110 and 111-(cargo door) series, and finally the 150 and 151-(cargo door) series.

The Dash-7 was made by the DeHavilland company of Canada.