Andrzej Jeziorski/MUNICH

DORNIER LUFTFAHRT has secured the first new orders for the Dornier 328 turboprop since a majority of the company was sold to Fairchild in June. Western Pacific Airlines ("WestPac") has placed an order for up to 24 328s, which it selected over the Aero International (Regional) ATR 42-500, and the Bombardier de Havilland Dash 8-200.

According to Gnter Pfeiffer, deputy chief of the Dornier works council, Colorado-based Western Pacific has signed a contract for 12 Dornier 328-120s, and 12 options. Pfeiffer adds that four of the 33-seat turboprops will be handed over this year, with the rest to be delivered by the end of 1997 (Flight International, 3-9 July).

Dornier says that the delivery schedule is yet to be finalised.

Until now, WestPac has operated domestic scheduled and charter services with a fleet of 12 Boeing 737-300s. The airline had been evaluating 30- to 40-seat aircraft for a new commuter airline, Mountain Air Express, and is also expected to order up to 20 more 737-300s and -700s for its main fleet.

Mountain Air Express is expected to start in November, operating to ski resorts. WestPac is to have a minority stake in the new airline, and the companies will have a marketing alliance.

Before the Western Pacific order, Dornier had won 90 firm orders and 72 options from 22 customers for the 328 since the start of the programme.

Horizon Air of the USA is the largest customer, with 20 firm orders and 40 options.

Source: Flight International