Anastasiia Selikova – Daily Roving Reporter and Obsolescence Project Manager
We woke up this morning with an incredible feeling across the entire DHC team. Following yesterday’s Sherpa announcement, our phones quickly filled with news articles, aerospace publications, and social media posts featuring our aircraft. Everywhere we looked, there was another headline, another photo, another story about the Sherpa. It was a great reminder of how special this achievement is.
While most of us were still finishing our coffee, there was a team already transforming the chalet for our DHC Western Pancake Breakfast. These were not just decorations—they were a piece of Canadian heritage brought across the Atlantic to welcome our customers, suppliers, partners, and friends into our home away from home.
I could not resist stepping outside for a few minutes before everyone arrived. Our Sherpa was already waiting on static display, ready for another busy day. Judging by the photo, I think she was in a good mood this morning.
When I returned, the chalet was already filling with people. I found myself helping guests find the right hat size as a line formed at the entrance. Everyone wanted one. Some guests even asked if they could bring a hat home for their families because they loved the idea so much. It was a small gesture, but it created smiles, started conversations, and brought people together before the business discussions even began.
During breakfast, I had several conversations with guests who were surprised to learn that De Havilland Aircraft of Canada has dedicated Obsolescence Project Managers supporting our programs. Several mentioned that, in their organizations, obsolescence is usually everyone’s responsibility rather than a dedicated function. It reminded me how fortunate I am to work for a company that recognizes the importance of fleet support.
One conversation that stayed with me was with Anna De Masi from Deagle in Italy. She shared how impressed she was that we brought such an authentic Canadian experience to Farnborough instead of hosting just another networking event.
After breakfast, the chalet quickly shifted back into business mode. With many engaged in meetings, I took the opportunity to walk around Farnborough again. One aircraft I was curious to visit was the DHL cargo aircraft on static display with its impressive cargo door. It was not about comparing ourselves—it was simply engineering curiosity. One of our Calgary engineers had messaged me that he wanted to understand how the modification was designed and integrated from a technical perspective. This is one of the things I love about aviation: we never stop learning from each other.
I also visited the Cessna display. I believe visiting other aircraft is just as important as showcasing our own products. Every manufacturer approaches challenges differently, and every aircraft configuration tells a story. What made me smile was that, from my first step near the Cessna display, their pilot approached me and mentioned that he had previously flown the Sherpa we were presenting. He recognized my DHC hat and shared how much he appreciated our aircraft upgrades and presentation.
Throughout Farnborough, I honestly lost count, but probably more than 100 people commented on my cowboy hat, and more than 50 asked where they could get one. To the whole DHC team, thank you for creating a feeling of pride and giving us something that allowed everyone to say, “This is my company.”
Back at the chalet, preparations were underway for our Supplier Cocktail Reception, where our suppliers gathered to learn more about the future direction of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada.
I particularly want to recognize Sebastien Pacaud for delivering an outstanding presentation. He guided our suppliers through who we are today—our heritage, acquisitions, our production roadmap, future growth plans, defence initiatives, and global footprint. He showed that DHC is not only protecting its legacy but actively building its future.
One moment impressed me even more than the presentation itself. During the presentation, the screen stopped displaying the slides correctly. Without showing any stress, Sebastien smiled, joked with the audience, and continued presenting from memory while the issue was resolved.
This is not something you prepare for—it comes from experience, confidence, and truly knowing your subject. Great presenters are not dependent on slides; they connect with people regardless of what happens. Thank you, Sebastien, for showing what professionalism looks like under pressure.
As guests arrived, Janet welcomed everyone at the entrance with the same warmth and energy she has shown throughout the week, even after what must have seemed like thousands of conversations. She has a unique ability to make people feel comfortable immediately. Even difficult conversations become easier because she creates trust from the first moment.
This is one of the greatest leadership skills I have seen during this trip, and something I hope to continue developing throughout my career.
By the end of the day, everyone was feeling the pace of the week. People often see business travel as exciting—and it truly is—but they do not always see the preparation, coordination, stress, and massive teamwork happening behind the scenes. In my case, I did not even make it through the drive back to the hotel before falling asleep in the car. Thank you, Sebastien, for making sure that moment was documented and shared with the entire DHC leadership group (I am still jokingly recovering from this!). I suppose every Farnborough trip deserves at least one photo like that.
As this incredible experience comes to an end, I simply want to say thank you.
Thank you to the PropelHer Cohort 4 organizers and the DHC leadership team for creating opportunities like this for young professionals. This week has been one of the biggest learning experiences of my career, and I hope many more cohorts will have the chance to experience something similar.
I also want to personally thank Claire Dufresne, Al Young, JP Cote, Alina Brisbin, and everyone who believed in me and trusted me to become the Daily Reporter. Thank you for giving me the confidence to share this experience in my own way.
Team: News