Financial backing from the Canadian government allowed the launch of the DHC7 program in the early 1970s, resulting in the maiden flight of the first of two development aircraft on 27 March 1975. The first production Dash 7 flew on 3 March 1977, the type was certificated on 2 May 1977, and it entered service with Rocky Mountain Airways on 3 February 1978. The type made the first landing at London Docklands Heron's Quay in 1983, paving the way for London City Airport. In 1987 the Dash 7 inaugurated flight service at LCY, with Brymon Airways. The market for the city-to-city aircraft never fully materialized, but London City Airport had Brymon Airways providing Dash 7 service from 1987, exploiting its excellent STOL capabilities