Case Study: Dornier 328 Jet Charter
Turning Underutilized Dornier 328JETs into a Charter Revenue Stream
A regional operator with a small fleet of Dornier 328JETs engaged me looking for ways to improve cash flow. While their scheduled operation covered essential routes under a government subsidy, much of their fleet sat idle on weekends and between peak flying windows. They had no in-house charter team, no broker relationships, and no formal quoting system.
This scenario is common for niche regional operators with versatile airframes like the Dornier 328JET. The aircraft’s short field performance and 30-seat capacity make it ideal for sports teams, government groups, and high-end incentive travel. However, few operators know how to position it properly in the charter marketplace.
We started by analyzing their current aircraft downtime, pairing it with demand windows in nearby metros and underserved secondary markets. I built a use case model to match the 328JET's performance characteristics to charter needs in the region, focusing on short-haul group travel, Department of Defense movements, and seasonal casino runs.
The airline lacked a quoting platform and had no broker-facing visibility. I helped them onboard to a leading broker marketplace, built a simple quote workflow using their operations team, and created templated pitch decks for outreach to brokers and institutional buyers. We ran a targeted campaign showcasing the aircraft’s unique features such as fast cruise speed, stand-up cabin, and rare availability for 30 passengers in underserved areas.
Within 90 days, they booked three NCAA team flights, two government contracts, and several ad hoc charters for corporate retreats and film production crews. The program added over 600,000 dollars in new revenue that season, with future demand building on word of mouth and broker relationships.
This case proves that with the right support and positioning, even a niche regional jet like the Dornier 328JET can become a powerful asset for charter revenue. You do not need to overhaul your operation. You just need to unlock the potential that is already on your ramp.
