328 Support Services GmbH celebrates 20 years of the Dornier 328.

Thursday 31st October 2013

328 Support Services GmbH this week marks the 20th anniversary of the first delivery of a Dornier 328 turboprop - to launch customer Air Engiadina of Switzerland.   Two more aircraft were delivered that year to US launch customer Horizon Air of Seattle, Washington who successfully built up a fleet of 12 of the type through to 1995, selected to replace a fleet of Fairchild Metroliners.

Since those early successes in Europe and the US, over 200 aircraft have been handed over to customers - the original turboprop and the turbofan, both powered by P&WC engines (PW119B/C and PW306B respectively).  No other single commercial aircraft in aviation history has been designed with jet and turboprop engines and during two decades the entire fleet has logged more than 3.3 million flight hours and some 3.4 million flight cycles.

Today passengers and VIPs flying with 50 Dornier 328 operators world-wide continue to enjoy the unique comfort of this wide-bodied regional aircraft, either in 32 seat airliner layout or in executive fit with 12 VIP seats.   Pilots from all over the world have been impressed by its performance and handling capabilities.

Dave Jackson, Managing Director of the 328 Group, commented:   "We are very pleased to celebrate this milestone event in the history of the popular Dornier 328 aircraft. This aircraft continues to outperform many of its newer rivals and we continue to see demand for this type of aircraft owing to its unique short runway capabilities and reliable, rugged performance."

328 Support Services GmbH, part of the 328 Group is the type certificate holder for the Dornier 328 (jet and turboprop series) and is responsible for the worldwide support of the Dornier fleet. Sister company is 328 Design GmbH which is primarily providing the engineering support for the Type Certificate as well as STC solutions for all types of aircraft.

About the 328 Group:

328 Group offers a broad spectrum of services to the aircraft industry. The Group employs over 250 aviation experts and supports more than 200 aircraft globally. Services offered range from maintenance and painting to STC design activities, parts' manufacture and support on numerous types of aircraft, bespoke VIP interiors including avionic and IFE upgrades.

328 Group company JETS embraces the maintenance and support of an increasing portfolio of VIP business jet aircraft in both Germany and the UK with bases at Bournemouth in the south of England and London Biggin Hill Airport.

328 is based at its main base in Oberphafenhoffen, near Munich, and is complemented by two UK facilities JETS Bournemouth Ltd and JETS Biggin Hill Ltd which opened in December 2012.

Supporting its new retro style branding, are two new websites, which highlight the scope of activities now offered under the 328 Group umbrella.

www.328.eu

www.jets.eu