A technical study by Fairchild Dornier has confirmed the feasibility of a turbofan version of the Dornier 328 - the first turbofan in the 30-seat market.
Next week, the company will launch a major exercise to get a market view on future developments of the 328.
As well as looking at a turbofan version (designated 328-300) of the turboprop, a stretch 50-seat version (the 328EC), with either turboprops or turbofans, is being studied.
"We are not looking at a new aircraft. We would not need to change anything on the aircraft except decide on a de-icing system," says Josef Simmerl, marketing director of Fairchild Dornier. "Such a programme would take 24 months after the launch, so it's a sporty target."
A stretch version would take 36 months from launch.
A turbofan version would offer the same standards of comfort as the baseline 328 turboprop version, combined with wide commonality.
Source: Flight Daily News
