Aurigny Air Services of Guernsey has taken delivery of a factory-new Dornier 228 from type certificate holder and OEM RUAG Aviation at RUAG's facilities in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. It will be the second new Do228 to join the Aurigny fleet after an initial aircraft was delivered in August 2015.

“This new aircraft is set to take up regularly scheduled operations immediately, and we are pleased that our acceptance procedure could go forward smoothly,” states CEO Mark Darby.

The Dornier 228 new production model configuration includes two new features: the glass cockpit avionics now benefit from a recently certified digital autopilot, and comfort in the aircraft is enhanced by newly sourced and approved cabin seating systems. The Dornier also displays the operator’s distinctive livery, applied by the specialists in the aircraft painting shop at the RUAG Aviation site.

Aurigny is tasked by the states of Guernsey and Alderney with providing passenger, medevac and cargo transport on the routes between Guernsey, Alderney and Southampton. Although principally engaged in scheduled services, it also offers ad hoc flights. Aurigny maintains a fleet of four Dornier 228s including the two production models that were delivered new, plus two in classic configurations. The type has been designed with efficiency, speed, STOL capability and stability in mind, and can land in strong crosswinds.

The acceptance procedure for the aircraft lasted two days. Senior VP business jets, Dornier 228 and components at RUAG Volker Wallrodt says: “Our team of technicians and engineers is heavily invested in the excellence of new aircraft. This current success, especially the smooth and swift acceptance protocol, proves we are on track with customer expectations.”