Swiss aerospace company Ruag has a high-profile presence at the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition, having brought its Do228NG (Next Generation) aircraft as it bids for a five-aircraft maritime patrol aircraft deal with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.
The twin-engine turboprop appeared on static display and also performed flight demonstrations during its first appearance at the show.
Ruag chief executive Philipp Berner noted that the Do228NG is a niche product for the company, with only two aircraft being produced a year. He said there are 150 Dornier 228s operating worldwide, and the company is happy to service this fleet and provide upgrades to the NG configuration, which offers a glass cockpit and more powerful engines.
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© Greg Waldron/Flightglobal |
Ruag's main business in Malaysia is supporting the nation's fleet of Northrop F-5 and Boeing F/A-18D fighters. A major market for Ruag is supporting the two types in Swiss air force service, and it also provides component repair services for both types to the Royal Malaysian Air Force. It also conducts similar work for F-5s operated by Singapore, South Korea and Thailand.
Longer term, Berner sees an opportunity to provide component repair services for private jets in the Asia Pacific.
Ruag is heavily involved in Europe's private jet market, providing maintenance, repair and overhaul, plus upgrades and re-marketing services. It sees opportunities to provide the same functions in Asia, although it has no plans as yet to set up a fixed-base operation in the region.
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Source: Flight International
