The Dutch Dakota Association (DDA) was founded 41 years ago on March 10, 1982, after an idea by Anne Cor Groeneveld and Gerrit van Gelder. Both pilots at Transavia wanted to build support for bringing a DC-3 Dakota to the Netherlands.
After a long search for a suitable DC-3, more than 30 aircraft were inspected, a Dakota was purchased in Finland. With registration PH-DDA, this aircraft made its first test flight on April 13, 1983.
And now, 41 years later, DDA Classic Airlines is still committed to preserving Dutch Flying Heritage. In this way, future generations can not only learn about developments in aviation, but also fly along in our historic DC-3 Dakota.
As a 100% volunteer organization, DDA Classic Airlines holds an AOC (Air Operator Certificate), the highest recognition in civil aviation. In doing so, it flies the historic DC-3 under the same strict safety regulations as well-known Dutch airlines such as KLM and Transavia.