Dornier 228 proves best link for island communities – RUAG takes new order for 2 aircraft

RUAG Aviation has secured a new agreement for the sale of 2 new production Dornier 228 aircraft. The versatile aircraft will serve island communities in passenger and cargo operations, providing a reliable and cost-effective link to the mainland. The agreement was signed at the Farnborough International Airshow on 13 July 2016.

This latest order for 2 new production Dornier 228 aircraft emphasises the importance placed on the Dornier 228’s capabilities in service to island communities. A reliable network for the transport of passengers and cargo supports livelihoods, local industry and community building. Island-based customers cite the Dornier 228’s comfort, speed, versatility and proven reliability as driving factors supporting their purchasing choice.

“Island communities, by their very nature, face a specific set of challenges which the urban centres of the mainland only rarely experience,” explains Fabian Kölliker, Product Manager Dornier 228,RUAG Aviation. He identifies the key elements influencing decision making: “Emergency rescue and relief, and medical transport are fundamental planning requirements. Compounding these operations, islands are exposed to heavy weather fronts and high winds – especially cross-winds – and generally have shorter airstrips making for demanding takeoff and landing operations. These are conditions where the Dornier 228’s capabilities excel.”

The Dornier 228’s inherent performance characteristics and capabilities allow the aircraft to fulfil the requirements of various governments and island communities safely and economically. Island operators recognise it as the ideal commuter aircraft and welcome the Dornier 228’s long operational range, excellent STOL (short takeoff and landing) capabilities and outstanding crosswind stability.

“The market is proving its confidence in the Dornier 228 as their aircraft of choice, especially for specific operations related to island communities. At the same time, it is also an expression of trust in RUAG Aviation, our reliability and our performance as OEM and supplier,” states Volker Wallrodt, Senior Vice President Business Jets, Dornier 228 & Components, RUAG Aviation.

RUAG Aviation is a leading supplier, support provider and integrator of systems and components for civil and military aviation worldwide.

Servicing aircraft and helicopters throughout their entire life cycle, the company’s core competencies include maintenance, repair and overhaul services, upgrades, and the development, manufacturing and integration of subsystems.

RUAG is an authorised service centre for OEMs of renown, such as Airbus Helicopters, Bell, Bombardier, Cirrus, Cessna, Diamond, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, Leonardo-Finmeccanica (AgustaWestland), Piaggio, Sikorsky, Pilatus, Piper, and Mooney, as well as a service centre for 328 Support Services, Hawker Beechcraft, Viking und MD Helicopters. RUAG Aviation is also a partner to the Swiss Armed Forces and other international air forces.

The company is also the manufacturer (OEM) of the Dornier 228, a versatile aircraft for challenging special missions and passenger and cargo operations.