328 delivers Dornier 328 aircraft to SpringChild Investments' new Nigerian airline Air Peace.

Sunday 17th November 2013

The German-based completions and refurbishment company 328 has completed work on a Dornier 328 aircraft for SpringChild Investments, British Virgin Island (BVI) for the use of its Nigerian based new airline, Air Peace. The privately owned upcoming airline Air Peace, will be operating out of Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos. The new airline will be offering Charter, Cargo and Scheduled flight services with its fleet of three Dornier 328 jets specifically configured for different purposes, in addition to a number of Boeing 737 aircraft.

The customer acceptance of MSN3200 by SpringChild Investments took place in October following the completion of the reconfiguration programme of the aircraft which took six months, finishing on time, on budget and on schedule, having begun in May 2013.

The aircraft was previously in VIP configuration but was reconfigured into a 27 seat layout at 328's Oberpfaffenhofen headquarters. It showcases a first in Dornier 328 conversions as the seat configuration boasts four forward facing business class seats at the front of the aircraft, complemented by a further 23 seats in an economy format in the aft cabin. The four business seats have been engineered to slide away from each other after take-off so improving passenger comfort once the aircraft is in cruise mode. In arm tables provide extra space around the business class seat area.

The new interior for MSN3200 was designed by Robin Dunlop of UK-based CTM Design  who regularly works with the 328 team and mirrors the VIP interior of MSN3221. SpringChild Investments is also looking at signing up for long term maintenance contracts with Type Certificate holder 328.

A further two Dornier 328 aircraft have also joined the fleet. MSN3221 is in a 13 seat VIP formation and has already been positioned into Nigeria, whilst, MSN 3171, which has been sourced from the USA, features a 32 seat layout and is anticipated to arrive before the end of 2013. It is anticipated that further aircraft will join the fleet over the next year.

"Delivering further aircraft into Nigeria demonstrates that we are expanding in this business aviation sector. We have now delivered refurbished aircraft to two Nigerian companies and are in discussions with a third at the moment.  Nigeria is now one of the leading countries for business aviation development in the sub-saharan region and we are making great strides in improving our footprint," said Dave Jackson Managing Director 328 Group.

328 is well positioned to work on the African continent with its unique skill set, growing capabilities and increasing portfolio of interior manufacturer and design work on aircraft ranging from small helicopters right up to Airbus A340/Boeing 767 sized aircraft. Its expansion of maintenance expertise under the JETS brand, following the recent acquisition of a new maintenance facility at London Biggin Hill Airport is also broadening its offering enabling 328  in conjunction with JETS to offer maintenance support away from its home base of Oberpfaffenhofen in Germany.

About the 328 Group:

328 Group is the trading name of London based Quest Aviation Services Limited, which offers a broad spectrum of services to the aircraft industry. The Group employs over 250 aviation experts and supports more than 200 aircraft globally. Services offered range from maintenance and painting to STC design activities, parts' manufacture, support on numerous types of aircraft, bespoke VIP interior completions and conversions and  avionic and IFE upgrades.

328 is based at its main base in Oberphafenhoffen, near Munich, and is complemented by two UK facilities JETS Bournemouth Ltd and  Jets Biggin Hill Ltd which was launched following its purchase in December 2012.

In April 2013 the 328 Group unveiled new brand identity which splits its two prime areas of expertise - '328' and 'JETS'. 328 reflects the company's increasing portfolio of interior manufacture and design work whilst JETS reflects its expansion of maintenance expertise under the JETS brand.

www.328.eu