Fairchild Dornier 328 Executive

Fairchild Dornier 328 Executive

Categorised as a Regional Airliner, the Dornier 328 Executive is an adaptation of the Dornier 328 Jet, which was inspired by the Dornier 328 Turboprop. This German-built aircraft offers a large cabin with a volume of 34 m3, allowing for a true VIP configuration which accommodates up to 14 passengers in three distinct sections. The Dornier 328 Executive often represents the best option for large groups, such as: bands, sports teams, wedding parties, press tours or corporate travel. This aircraft also offers a range of 3500 km, making it perfect for connecting major European cities.

Regional Airliner

regional airliner
Fairchild Dornier 328 Executive
Technical specifications
SpecificationValue
ManufacturerFairchild Dornier
CategoryRegional Airliner
Range*
3704 km
2000 NM
Cruise speed
620 km/h
335 kts
Seats**12-15
Suitcases22

* with IFR reserves
** in standard configuration

General information

Model nameDornier 328 Executive
ManufacturerFairchild Dornier
Aircraft categoryregional airliner
ICAO DesignatorJ328
Start/End of Production1999 - 2005
Number of pilot(s)2

Performances

Range (with IFR reserves)2000 NM (3704 km)
Ferry range2300 NM (4260 km)
Cruise speed335 kts (620 km/h)
Max Operating Speed – VMO202 KIAS
Long-Range Cruise Speed - LRC281 KTAS
Approach Speed103 kts
Takeoff Distance1367 m
Average Landing Distance702 m
Rate of Climb3690 ft/min
Service Ceiling35000 ft
Thrust6050 lbf

Aircraft technology

Engine typeTurbofan / Jet
Engine(s)2 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306B / PW306/9
AvionicsHoneywell Primus 2000

Dimensions and capacity

Aircraft length21.28 m
Aircraft height7.24 m
Wing span20.98 m
Cabin height1.89 m (6.2 ft)
Cabin length10.29 m (33.75 ft)
Cabin width2.19 m (7.2 ft)
Baggage volume7 m3
Seats (standard config)12-15
Seats (max)16-32
Suitcases22
Carry-on luggage9
Maximum payload2710 kg
Maximum TakeOff Weight - MTOW15660 kg
Maximum Landing Weight - MLW14390 kg
Fuel capacity5011 L

Does the Dornier 328 Executive offer more passenger space than the standard Dornier 328?

Yes, the Dornier 328 Executive provides significantly more space per passenger than the standard Dornier 328 turboprop. The standard Dornier 328 accommodates 19 to 32 passengers in airline-style seating, whereas the Executive variant carries only 12 to 14 passengers in a luxurious VIP configuration with three distinct sections. This means each passenger in the Executive enjoys more than twice the cabin space, premium seating arrangements, and executive amenities that transform the regional airliner into a true corporate aircraft.

Can the Dornier 328 Executive carry more passengers than the Saab 340?

Yes, the Dornier 328 Executive can potentially carry more passengers than the Saab 340 in certain configurations. The Saab 340 typically seats up to 33 passengers in its standard airline configuration, whilst the Dornier 328 Executive accommodates between 12 and 14 passengers in VIP layouts. However, this comparison reflects different mission profiles: the Saab 340 serves as a high-density regional airliner, whilst the Dornier 328 Executive provides luxury corporate transport with significantly more space per passenger, premium seating arrangements, and executive amenities that the Saab 340 cannot match.

How many passengers can the Dornier 328 Executive accommodate?

The Dornier 328 Executive can accommodate between 12 and 16 passengers depending on configuration, with 16 being the maximum capacity. The aircraft features a remarkably spacious cabin with a volume of 34 cubic metres, divided into three distinct sections that allow for flexible VIP arrangements. The generous cabin dimensions of 10.33 metres in length, 2.19 metres in width, and 1.89 metres in height provide ample space for large groups such as sports teams, corporate delegations, or wedding parties.

What is the cruise speed of the Dornier 328 Executive?

The Dornier 328 Executive cruises at 620 km/h (335 knots), which provides efficient performance for a regional airliner converted for VIP operations. This speed allows the aircraft to cover European routes effectively, maintaining the operational efficiency of its commercial airliner heritage whilst offering the comfort and privacy expected in executive aviation.

What is the range of the Dornier 328 Executive?

The Dornier 328 Executive has an NBAA IFR range of 3,704 km (2000 nautical miles), making it ideal for European regional flights. This range comfortably accommodates routes such as London to Rome or Frankfurt to Istanbul without refuelling stops. The aircraft's range capability aligns perfectly with its role as a large-capacity regional transport for corporate groups and VIP charter operations.

What makes the Dornier 328 Executive unique for accessing challenging airports?

The Dornier 328 Executive offers exceptional airport accessibility thanks to its turboprop configuration and robust landing gear inherited from the regional airliner design. This capability allows the aircraft to operate from shorter airfields typically unavailable to larger business jets, opening unique destination possibilities for corporate travel. The aircraft's airline-proven systems and sturdy construction enable operations at airports with less sophisticated infrastructure, making it particularly valuable for reaching remote locations or smaller cities that cannot accommodate conventional business jets.

Range Map