PAUL LEWIS / WASHINGTON DC
Decision to focus on longer-range, higher-weight version follows shift in emphasis from regionals to mainline carriers
Fairchild Dornier has discontinued marketing the 728-100 and plans to focus production from 2004 on the longer range -200 version, after the company has completed the initial few deliveries to Lufthansa CityLine and CSA Czech Airlines scheduled for next year.
"However many aircraft we build in 2003, they will be 728-100s - and in 2004 all aircraft produced will be -200s, but we could still certify at the lower weight," says Fairchild Dornier executive vice-president sales, marketing and support Barry Ecclestone. The moves follow the decision to accelerate by nine months development of the -200, which has a maximum take-off weight increase to 37,990kg (83,700lb) (Flight International, 22-28 January).
The higher weight boosts maximum range compared to the -100 by 740km (400nm), to 3,330km.
The decision to standardise on the 728-200 follows a shift in marketing emphasis away from traditional regional carriers towards mainline carriers. Dropping the 728-100 will also simplify production at its Oberpfaffenhofen plant.
Deliveries of the 728-200 cannot start until early 2004 and Fairchild Dornier is still contractually obliged to deliver aircraft in 2003. This includes the first four 728s for CSA which the carrier will lease from among the 50 aircraft ordered by GE Capital Aviation Services. CSA has ordered another four aircraft in its own right and these will be completed later as -200s.
The company had planned to produce 11 aircraft next year, with the balance going to launch customer Lufthansa. The final number completed as 728-100s is subject to negotiations with customers.
Another discussion point is airspace user charges, which in Europe are calculated on aircraft weight. Aircraft over 36,000kg are in a higher band but the 728-200 can be certificated at the lower weight.
Source: Flight International
