Story ID: 605
Duncan Shows Unique VIP Dornier 328
By: James Wynbrandt
Caption: The factory demo aircraft features turboprop-like short field performance and Gulfstream-size cabin at half the operational cost, Duncan says.
Word Count: 284
Aviation services provider Duncan Aviation showcased at NBAA 2018 a one-of-a-kind VIP Dornier 328-310 Envoy that was designed and converted at Dornier’s German factory for VIP demonstration flights by Dornier 328 services. Only 11 Envoy 3 models were made, and none sport the upgrades of this classic VIP jet. On static display at Orlando Executive Airport, the 328 features an extended-range fuel system, providing a 30 percent boost to a 2,100 nm range, a High Gross Weight modification, approval for operations at FL350, and approval to operate at high altitude airports.

“This would be an ideal aircraft for someone who works hard and plays hard, “ said Dave Coleman, Duncan Aviation sales and acquisitions executive. “There’s enough room to pack all your gear for a trip into the wilderness, and its impressive climb rate, short field and high-altitude performance capabilities make this perfect for wintertime weekend ski trips into the mountains.”

The interior, designed by Robin Dunlop, is configured with 12 executive club seats, four crew seats and six inflatable beds, and incorporates a full-cabin tuned passive noise reduction system. A custom-designed Control Concepts entertainment system operates individual 10-inch monitors, fore/aft 14-inch monitors, a credenza pop-up 31-inch TV, dual AVOD movie storage, Blu-ray player, Xbox video game console and complete surround sound system. A high-speed Internet system is also onboard.

“The factory-completed Dorniers don’t often appear on the market, and certainly no others are equipped like this one,” said Coleman. “If someone is looking for the runway performance of a turboprop but the cabin space of a Gulfstream – with almost half the operation cost – they won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to see this aircraft at NBAA this year.”