SPARKS, Nev., February 06, 2015 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC)has completed acquisition of a UK- and Germany-based aircraft company, 328 Support Services GmbH (328), owner of the type certificate and intellectual property (IP) rights for design, manufacturing, maintenance and certification of the 200 existing Dornier 328 (D328) prop and jet aircraft. In addition, SNC holds IP rights and supplemental type certificates (STCs) for modernization technologies that allow the Dornier 328 aircraft to be used by the U.S. for multi-mission applications ranging from transport and cargo to surveillance and medical use.
As one of the world’s fastest growing and most successful aerospace companies, SNC is making a major investment in European markets to expand globally through modern commercial aircraft technologies. During the past decade alone, SNC's combined capabilities have grown to include design, manufacturing, modification, certification (FAA, EASA and military), integration and support of approximately 400 aircraft for customers worldwide.
328 is headquartered in London with its main operations based at Oberpfaffenhofen Airport, near Munich, Germany. It employs more than 150 aviation experts. The 328 management team has significant, relevant experience in customer support, aircraft completions and VIP/Corporate operations, as well as business growth and improvement strategies. SNC anticipates a close working relationship between 328 and its subsidiary, Kansas-based 3S Engineering, in the areas of design and type certification.
“After many years with a close and successful working relationship, this move makes sense at many levels,” said Dave Jackson, managing director of 328. “328’s expert design, completion and type certification skills are a perfect complement to SNC’s portfolio of capabilities and we look forward to expanding further under the SNC umbrella.”
328 purchased the type certificate for the D328 jet and turboprop, as well as the Dornier 428 and other assets, in December 2005 from Avcraft, which acquired it from Fairchild-Dornier. Upon acquisition, it concentrated on ensuring maintenance of the existing fleet, providing stability to the D328 aircraft market in terms of support and residual values. This culminated in the successful continuance of aircraft operations into 2015 and beyond.
In addition to continuing the legacy of the Dornier name, 328 has expanded its capabilities to provide an increasing range of services on a host of other aircraft. This includes full STCs, design, and build-and-certify solutions for customers such as Airbus, Lufthansa and Turkish Technic.
About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), headquartered in Sparks, Nevada, is among the “World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space.” Over the last 30 years, under the leadership of President Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen, SNC has become one of America’s fastest-growing private companies and the Top Woman-Owned Federal Contractor in the United States. With a workforce of over 3,000 personnel in 31 locations in 17 states, SNC has a reputation for rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions in electronics, aerospace, avionics, space, propulsion, micro-satellite, aircraft, communications systems and solar energy.
SNC has six unique business areas that are dedicated to providing leading-edge solutions to its dynamic customer base. SNC has a proven track record of success spanning more than five decades. It is focused on providing its customers with the very best in diversified technologies and continues to focus its growth on the commercial sector through internal advancements in dual-use applications and outside acquisitions including the emerging markets of renewable energy, telemedicine, nanotechnology, cyber and net-centric operations.
For more information on SNC visit www.sncorp.com and follow us at Facebook/Sierra Nevada Corporation. Sierra Nevada Corporation and SNC are trademarks of Sierra Nevada Corporation.
About 328:
328 offers a broad spectrum of services to the aircraft industry. 328 employs over 150 aviation experts and supports more than 200 aircraft globally. Services offered range from maintenance and painting to STC design activities, parts’ manufacture and support on numerous types of aircraft, bespoke VIP interiors including avionic and IFE upgrades. See our website www.328.eu.
History of Dornier:
Dornier Flugzeugwerke was a German aircraft manufacturer with its founding origins in Friedrichshafen in 1914 by Claudius Dornier. Over the course of its lifespan, the company produced many notable designs for both the civil and military markets from all-metal flying boats to land planes such as the Komet (Comet) and Merkur (Mercury) that were used by Lufthansa and other European carriers. During WWII, Dornier produced many of the mainstream German Light and Medium bombers such as the Do 17 and the Do 217. Toward the end of the war, it designed and built the highly innovative Do 335 “Phiel.” Post-war, Dornier quickly re-established itself with highly successful small short take off and landing (STOL) transports such as the Do 27 and Do 28. Additionally, in 1974, it developed the Alpha Jet as part of a joint venture with French aircraft manufacturers Dassault-Breguet. The plane was well received and established itself as the new standard NATO trainer during the 1970s and ‘80s. In 1985, Dornier became a member of the Daimler-Benz group, integrating its aeronautic assets with the parent company. In 1996, the majority of Dornier Aircraft was acquired by Fairchild Aircraft, forming Fairchild-Dornier. This company became insolvent in early 2002 and production of its D328 was acquired by the U.S. company Avcraft. This company continued to build out the remaining stock and traded until 2005 when 328 purchased its assets and invested additional capital to continue successful operations with the 328 aircraft.