Press Release
Issued by Deutsche Aircraft.
December 4, 2008
328 Support Services GmbH is marking its third birthday in January 2009 with a broadening of activity beyond the Dornier 328 regional aircraft family. Early in 2009 it will start work on producing VVIP galleys for two Airbus A340s and the company, going against the current economic trend, is preparing to expand its workforce at its Oberpfaffenhoffen, Germany facility.
Dave Jackson, Chief Executive of 328 Support Services said: "This work was won under competitive tender against many established interior shops and the quality of our product and the availability of skilled resources to meet the contractual deadlines was a key factor. This expansion to other aircraft types is a major strategic move for 328 Support Services and we are looking to expand even further in 2009."
The company is also just back from the MEBA business aviation show in Dubai where it was showcasing a VIP-configured 328 Jet in the static display. Serial No 3221 and newly registered as VP-CJD, drew considerable interest, said 328 Support Services Head of Sales Ray Mosses. "The 328's appeal to this discerning market is its affordability, its generous cabin and its range - 2,000 nm with long range fuel tanks fitted. Customers also have the ability to tailor the interior material specification to match their lifestyle and make the aircraft interior as an addition to their home or office. He added: "It's very pleasing to see the cost-effective and operationally versatile 328 Jet clearly enjoying a new lease of life in the business aviation sector. The interest we had in Dubai was great and we are following up on several contacts."
Aircraft No 3221 was the last certificated production aircraft, the latest new example, recently introduced into service by a private owner in Europe. The luxuriously appointed 10-seat VIP aircraft features a large galley, enlarged toilet at the rear and convenient access to the large baggage bay. (see photo attached) The cabin design was styled by 328 Support Services partner UK-based CTM Design. This is the first of three Dornier 328 aircraft that CTM, headed by Robin Dunlop, has designed.
In addition, 328 Support Services is in the final stages of converting a 328 Jet (Serial No 3134) for Cirrus Aviation, part of the newly expanded DC Aviation Group – from a 32-seat airliner layout to a 12-seat VIP aircraft Work commenced in Oberpfaffenhofen last April and the aircraft will be completed in early December 2009.
328 Support continues to be busy on its 328 corporate aircraft conversions. Welcome Air of Austria's 328 Jet OE-HRJ is currently having long range fuel tanks fitted in Oberpfaffenhofen and its interior modified to feature six VIP Quick Change seats and three medivac stations, capable of holding up to five stretchers. This will enable the airline's partner companies, Jetlife and Jetcom, to offer the aircraft for ambulance flights and private charters, respectively. This is the first time the extended range tanks have been installed as a stand alone modification as normally this work is carried out in conjunction with a VIP conversion, this work is planned for completion by February 2009.
