328 Support Services GmbH

328 Support Services GmbH (328SSG) has a long and proud tradition that started nearly 100 years ago when Claude Dornier built his first aircraft in 1916, the RS 11 seaplane, in southern Germany. Although today the company is very different from those early pioneering days of aviation it still is seeking to innovate and bring quality products to the aviation industry.

A customised VIP Dornier 328 Jet for a private client

The Dornier 328 is a modern state of the art aircraft operated throughout the world. It has multi mission capability, including VIP/Corporate, Regional Passenger transport (32 seats), Special Mission and Medivac. Uniquely the aircraft is available in Jet or Turboprop version. Most recently 328SSG has cooperated as a key supply partner with Lockheed Martin on its ACCA project – a new all composite prototype aircraft for the US Air Force based on the Dornier 328 airframe and technology.

The aircraft currently operates in all regions of the world including China, South-America, United States and Europe.

328SSG was originally formed in December 2005 when the assets of Avcraft Aerospace GmbH (formerly Fairchild Dornier) were purchased from the administrator. These assets include responsibility for the Type Certificate, Design data as well as a multi million Euro spares inventory, tooling and even including complete aircraft.

The Customer Support services that 328 SSG provides to the worldwide Dornier fleet, consists of Technical Publications, Engineering, spare parts support and if required "in field" engineering services. Since taking control of the company in 2006 the "in service" operational fleet has increased by over 35%.

When the business was reformed as 328SSG, one of the early decisions taken by the company, was not to continue manufacturing Dornier 328 aircraft in Germany but to instead focus its efforts on supporting the over 200 + Dornier 328 Jet and Turboprop aircraft in operation around the world and bring those aircraft not in service back into the market place. The company has always remained open however to seek investment or investment partners if manufacturing were to commence again. Against a tough world background for aviation, where cost effective and yet still modern Turboprops in the 32 seat market are scarce, and where a "value proposition" for VIP aircraft is welcomed – the restart of manufacturing is becoming a distinct possibility in the new future.

Since 2005 the company has developed its business and product offering considerably and at the same time returned the business to profitability for its investors in less than 18 months.

Key amongst its achievements has been the development of a fully updated VIP 328 Jet product at a market beating price. In addition to the full height cabin the latest offering to clients is the ability to fully bespoke their interior, including creating additional useable passenger cabin space by completely re-designing the galley entrance area. This has allowed for the first time seats with additional leg rests to be installed..

Working with the company's designers, VIP customers can specify such things as Sat phone including Blackberry connectivity, LED mood lighting, Full HD In-flight Entertainment systems, electric window shades and broadband connectivity etc. The Dornier 328 has a truly world beating capacity and payload ability for its target market. In addition to offering this state of the art solution the company has further developed the extended range fuel tank system – now providing 50% more range (2000mm/3700km total), with an on-ground refill time of 15 minutes!!

In the last two and a half years the company has delivered or taken orders for 10 VIP/Corporate aircraft, with many new enquiries for it's product, this has been driven in part by the harsh economic climate and need for 'value' in the corporate sector, as well as growing market awareness of the 328 VIP product. It has also taken the decision to re-establish its own in house design engineering group. This group will not only support the Type Certificate engineering requirements on the Dornier 328 but will develop STC solutions including VIP conversions for all other types of aircraft.

The idea of used regional airline aircraft, particularly jets, being converted into a VIP or corporate configuration is an increasing trend. These regional aircraft have been built for high utilization and high reliability, and together with a large pool of  trained pilots, mechanics and support inventory are an increasingly alternative to an "off the shelf" corporate jet. Airframes can generally be acquired for attractive prices with many years of life remaining (in the corporate world) on the airframes. Combine this with a full height cabin and the ability to customize the interiors these truly are a real "value for money" way forward.

In harsh economic times when the "corporate aircraft" may be being regarded as an unnecessary luxury, solutions such the Dornier 328 VIP Jet render this argument null and void. There is a strongly proven case for the benefit and efficiency of a operating company aircraft (s) or a fractional ownership arrangement, but this needs to be combined with a value proposition. The need for corporate travel hasn't changed but the need to demonstrate value has!

As 328 SSG custom manufacture all the interior fixtures on the Dornier 328 aircraft it was a natural progression to seek other work for this capability and in 2008 it was successful in winning orders to manufacture VVIP galleys for Airbus A340 aircraft on a sub-contract basis for a major European conversion centre. 328SSG will now continue to build upon this expertise and further develop its product offering not only on the Dornier 328 aircraft but on other aircraft types as well.

In addition to providing Dornier 328 maintenance, conversion and completion services in Germany, the Company has a Part 145 maintenance company in the UK called JETS, this is also a leading provider of Dornier 328 maintenance services as well as providing maintenance on the Hawker 125, Challenger 601/604/605 and Hawker Premier 1 types, supported by an extensive repair shop capability. It also has the capability to paint all small to medium sized aircraft in its own climate controlled paint facility.

Best in class for Turboprop and highly competitive in the Regional Jet sector relative to acquisition price and most importantly Direct Operating Cost (DOC)

328SSG and the Dornier 328 aircraft offer a comprehensive package of services and products to meet the needs of today's busy executive traveller as well as those of high net worth individuals.

328SSG are still maintaining the tradition of the early pioneers.......