During the recently finished Paris Air Show, RUAG Aviation signed an agreement with Guernsey’s flag carrier airline Aurigny Air Services Ltd. for the sale of a Dornier 228 NG, scheduled for delivery by the end of 2015.
The bulk of Aurigny’s fleet comprises Embraer E-195, ATR-72-200/500 and 15-seater Brittan Norman Trilanders, which, after 40 years in operation, are reaching the end of their service life. The customer decided last year to replace the ageing aircraft with three Dornier 228, two of which will be New Generation models and one Dornier 228 classic. Aurigny opted for the Dornier 228 solution based on the aircraft’s considerable flexibility and versatility as well as its impressive high cruise speed of max. 234 knots. As an interim solution, Aurigny is using two refurbished Dornier 228, but will be one of the first customers to benefit from RUAG’s serial production of the Dornier 228.
“The high cruise speed of the Dornier 228 means that the Aurigny will be able to schedule an extra flight per day and will be able to expand its operations, as the Dornier 228 can reach more airports within a flight time of one hour. The customer has ordered the new Dornier 228 in its 19-seater passenger configuration, and is also looking into the aircraft’s cargo capabilities as well as its potential for medical services”, mentioned Volker Wallrodt, Senior Vice President Business Jets, Do228 & Components.
Founded in 1968, Aurigny Air Services Ltd. is a regional airliner based in Guernsey. The company employs around 290 members of staff on the Channel Islands, in the UK and France. It welcomed its 9 millionth passenger on board at the beginning of the year. Operating flight paths from Guernsey, Jersey and Alderney to airports in England and France, Aurigny mainly transports business passengers, but also enjoys a growing tourist segment.
Malcolm Coupar, Aurigny’s commercial director says: “The German designed and built Dornier 228NG offers us the optimum passenger and freight carrying options for our Alderney and Dinard services. Given our commitment to provide a year round Medevac service to the people of Alderney, we’re in discussions with RUAG Aviation to ensure this capability is built in. Passenger comfort is important to us and we know the reduced noise of the New Generation Dornier will be appreciated. Equally, passengers will benefit from air conditioning and a spacious feel to the cabin, created by the central aisle and large windows.”
The addition of the Dornier 228 will strengthen the Aurigny fleet from this year, and RUAG looks forward to continuing to support its customer for a smooth introduction of the Dornier 228 NG into service and in updating its fleet.
RUAG Aviation is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the Dornier 228 aircraft, a leading supplier, support provider and integrator of aircraft systems and components for civil and military customers. The company is the principal life cycle support partner for the Swiss Air Force and supports many Air Forces around the globe and is an authorized Service Center for Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault Falcon, Embraer, Piaggio and Pilatus as well as Major Service Center for Dornier, Hawker Beechcraft and DHC-6 Twinotter.
RUAG Aviation is a certified Part 21J EASA Design Organisation, Part 21G EASA Production Organisation and Part 145 EASA Maintenance Organisation.
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