Germany’s GCT Design Organisation (GCTDO) has acquired design organisation approval (DOA) from 328 Support Services for the Dornier 328JET and 328 turboprop as part of a collaboration between the two Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany-based companies, writes Kate Sarsfield.
Under the terms of the partnership, 328 Support Services, which acquired the rights to the defunct 328 line last December from AvCraft Aerospace, will retain the aircraft’s type certificate, and GCTDO will provide airworthiness and technical support for the 328 fleets. DOA transfer is scheduled by the end of the first quarter.
Mike Farge, chief executive of 328 Support Services parent Corporate Jet Services, says: “This agreement is a perfect solution for us.” 328 Support Services was created last month to oversee the engineering, design and product support of the worldwide fleet of around 200 328s.
Farge adds: “We can now concentrate on our strategy to return the fleet of around 40 parked aircraft to service, and build our spares supply and support businesses.”
A private individual recently acquired four ex-Delta Connection 328Jets and has an option on a further three of the 32-seat airline-configured aircraft. The first aircraft was delivered to 328 Support Services two weeks ago, “and will be converted into 14-seat VIP configuration”, Farge says.
The remaining three aircraft, earmarked for delivery next month, will receive a similar refit. “All four aircraft will enter service with [our UK-based charter subsidiary] Club328.” The Southampton-based operator already has a single 328JET and a turboprop in its fleet.
Source: Flight International
