DORNIER is the name attached to future 328JET aircraft manufactured by AvCraft, the US aircraft support company that has acquired the former Fairchild Dornier 328 and 428 assets from the bankruptcy administrator of those programmes. AvCraft has leased the existing assembly lines and facilities at Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich from EADS who also produce Airbus parts at the plant. AvCraft plan to deliver the first all new Dornier 328JET by the year”s end but in the meantime is completing 23 aircraft (of which 18 are whitetails) all of whom are spoken for. Under the previous management some 80 (72 in airline service) 328 turboprops were built, production ending in 1999, and 93 328JET (plus the 23 aircraft acquired from the administrator). AvCraft chief executive Ben Bartel (see left) says that the 328JET prospects are good and is programming for a minimum production of 18 units a year. Support from most suppliers (creditors) has been excellent, and he could not praise Pratt & Whitney enough. Certification for London City Airport is imminent. He says that prospects for the larger 428JET are strong and a decision will be made this year.
http://www.avcraft.com