Dornier 328 Buying Guide

The Dornier 328 stands out in the Super Midsize Jet category with its capacity to transport up to 30 passengers, a range of 2500 km, and a cruising speed of 550 km/h. This jet is particularly popular with regional flight operators and private companies looking for a combination of efficiency and comfort. With its two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW119 engines, it offers reliable and economical performance.

This guide will cover the essential aspects of buying a Dornier 328, including the current market, operating costs, and the options between buying and chartering. See our pillar page for more details: Dornier 328.

Dornier 328 Market and Budget

New and Used Prices

Due to the absence of new production, the used market for the Dornier 328 is dynamic. Prices vary considerably depending on the age, overall condition of the aircraft, and avionics upgrades performed.

Availability and Lead Times

The Dornier 328 benefits from a strong global fleet, although supply on the used market can sometimes be limited. The average time to finalize a used transaction is approximately 3 to 6 months. The absence of new production means there is no order book for new aircraft.

Residual Value

The residual value of the Dornier 328 is influenced by factors such as the aircraft’s condition, technological updates, and secondary market conditions. Depreciation is relatively moderate due to its category and capacity.

Full Initial Budget

Dornier 328 Operating Costs (OpEx)

Annual Fixed Costs

Variable Costs per Hour

Maintenance Deadlines

Maintenance programs like JSSI, ESP, or MSP help spread significant costs and ensure comprehensive coverage for engines and airframes.

Annual Comparison by Usage Intensity

These estimates are based on a jet fuel price of 0.9 USD/L and a consumption of 650 L/h.

Buy or Charter a Dornier 328: Cost-Usage Arbitration

Initial Costs (Purchase vs. Charter)

Buying a Dornier 328 requires significant capital investment, while chartering allows for smoothed costs, but at a higher hourly rate of 8,200 EUR/h.

5-Year Scenarios

Break-even Point

The break-even point is reached at approximately 320 hours per year, after which purchasing becomes more cost-effective than chartering. This calculation is based on the annual fixed cost and the hourly charter cost. For more details, see: Charter a Dornier 328.

Where to Buy a Dornier 328

Sales Platforms

When buying a Dornier 328, it is crucial to choose between a broker and a direct purchase. A broker offers additional expertise and security, while a direct purchase can be more economical but requires rigorous due diligence.

Specialized Brokers vs. Direct Purchase

Brokers offer the advantage of security and expertise, especially for pre-purchase inspections and negotiation. In contrast, direct purchase can reduce costs but requires in-depth knowledge of the market and procedures.

Dornier 328 Owner Reviews

“The Dornier 328 is an incredibly reliable aircraft, offering impressive passenger capacity while maintaining reasonable operating costs. Its spacious cabin and flight performance make every journey enjoyable. Maintenance is facilitated by efficient engine support programs.” — Fleet Director, Central Europe

“I particularly appreciate the flexibility of the Dornier 328 for regional operations. Its range and cruising speed are ideal for our needs, and the cabin comfort is often praised by our passengers. Fuel efficiency is another strong point.” — Chief Pilot, North America

These testimonials highlight the versatility and reliability of the Dornier 328, in addition to its competitive operating costs. For more feedback, see: Read all Dornier 328 reviews.

Finalizing the Dornier 328 Acquisition

Key Acquisition Steps

1. Pre-agreement
2. Pre-purchase inspection (PPI)
3. Legal/tax due diligence
4. Registration (N-number, F-XXXX, etc.)
5. Insurance transfer

Registration in advantageous registries such as the United States, the Cayman Islands, or Malta can offer tax and operational benefits, particularly in terms of flexibility and costs.

Financing

Financing options include aviation bank loans, operational leasing, finance leasing, and fractional ownership. Rates vary from 4 to 7% depending on the buyer’s profile.