Fairchild Dornier intends to seek regulatory approval to operate the 328JET at London City Airport - however, the high speed of the aircraft will require modification to the roll spoiler and actuation system for those customers wishing to operate there.

Approach regulations for operations at the airport require an aircraft to descend at a 5.5 degree glideslope on final approach to meet noise restrictions and obstacle clearances. Certification regulations demand that an aircraft demonstrates at least a 7.5 degree descent approach as a safety margin.

Fairchild Dornier coo John Wolf said that the pursuit of the new certification programme was prompted by customer requirements for 328JET operations at London City Airport. The company has demonstrated the 328JET's capability to operate in and out of the airport with a full passenger load, and has already been operating its 328 turboprop there.

"This will represent a new capability and new technology for our customers who wish to expand jet operations in London's in-town airport," Wolf said.

He expects that the certification process including component and flight testing will take less than a year, with deliveries starting to customers by the end of 2001.

The Fairchild Dornier 328JET fleet is now 34 aircraft worldwide and recently passed the 30,000 departure mark - achieving an overall flight completion rate of 99.12 per cent.

The company has taken orders and options for 160 328JETs, the first of which went into service in August 1999.