The Dornier 228 is a twin-turboprop aircraft initially designed and produced by Dornier GmbH (now part of RUAG Aerospace) in the 1980s. It is primarily used for regional and commuter air services, as well as military and special mission applications. The aircraft is known for its durability, reliability, and versatility for operating in various weather and terrain conditions. That may be why many companies continue to use the aircraft, which has demonstrated its prowess for decades.
There are still many Dornier 228 aircraft in active service worldwide, with operators in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Here is a list of the four companies flying the five oldest Do228s in active service.
Businesswings
Founded in 1989, this German passenger charter company rebranded from Aerotrans Flugcharter, which operated from 1979 to 1989. In 2019, Logistics holding, Sovereign Speed, fully acquired Businesswings to expand into the air freight market. Businesswings will be retained as a separate unit to operate for other companies exclusively and does not intend to launch its own scheduled flights.
Businesswings’ fleet includes one Do228-100, one Do228-212, and two Cessna (single turboprop) 208B Grand Caravans. The oldest 228 is registration D-IROL which is just over 40 years old.
CorpFlite
CorpFlite is a Chilean company created in 1999 to provide various corporate aviation services and specialized aerial work. These include passenger and light cargo air transport, aerial photography, executive or charter flights, observation and patrolling, and air and medical transfers.
The operator has its headquarters at Santiago de Chile Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) airport. It flies a Piper Cheyenne II, a 40-year-old Do228-100 (CC-ARG), and its younger sibling, a 35-year-old Do228-200.
Air Traffic Africa
AirTraffic Africa (also operating as AirTraffic Ltd.) flies throughout Sub-Saharan Africa to remote/un-serviced airfields, which they only serve during daylight hours. The company is based at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, Kenya.
The carrier’s fleet consists of the following:
2 Embraer 120ER, 30 passengers;
1 Beech 1900D, 19 passengers;
4 Dornier 228s, 19 passengers.
One of the Dorniers is a -200 (5Y-CCD) and is 40.46 years old.
Transafrican Air
Transafrican Air Ltd is a Kenyan passenger charter company founded in 2013. It specializes in tailored air cargo solutions for humanitarian and government organizations, regional cargo consolidators, and airline partners.
Based at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, the company operates a diverse fleet of older aircraft, including one B727-100(C), two B737-200(C)s, an Il-76TD, and two Dornier 228s. The company owns the 228s and leases the other aircraft. The Dorniers consist of a 40.4-year-old -100 (5Y-BRX) and a 38-year-old -200.
The company is a Zone Four International subsidiary based out of Entebbe/Kampala International (EBB) in Uganda.
The Do228’s job security
The Dornier 228 is a popular aircraft with operators for several reasons. Here are a few:
1. Versatility: The Dornier 228 can operate from short, unpaved runways, making it a versatile aircraft for operators who need to access remote locations with limited infrastructure.
2. Performance: The aircraft is designed to operate in a wide range of weather conditions, including icing conditions, which is vital for operators in regions with harsh climates.
3. Efficiency: The Dornier 228 has low operating costs compared to other aircraft in its class, making it an attractive choice for operators who want to keep their costs down.
4. Capacity: The aircraft can carry up to 19 passengers, more than some other aircraft in its class. This makes it a popular choice for regional airlines and charter operators.
5. Reliability: The Dornier 228 has a strong track record of reliability, with many operators reporting high levels of availability and minimal downtime.
Overall, the Dornier 228’s combination of versatility, performance, efficiency, capacity, and reliability make it a popular choice for operators in various industries, including regional airlines, charter operators, and government agencies. We expect to see the aircraft flying for many years to come.
Data provided by http://ch-aviation.com/
