News
Dornier Seaplane Co. introduces the Seastar to Canada

May 25, 2009. Punta Gorda, FL – The Dornier Seaplane Company is pleased to announce that the newly refurbished Dornier Seastar will be launching its North American tour by debuting at the Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA) Annual Convention in Montreal.

The Seastar is the first new purpose-built amphibian aircraft developed in the last fifty years. It is an FAA and EASA certified all-composite seaplane powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6-135A turboprop engines. “The Seastar is capable of operating in seas up to 2 1/2 feet which makes it perfect for operation in Canada’s many lakes, rivers and bays,” according to Joe Walker, chief executive officer of Dornier Seaplane Company. Walker expects that up to 40 per cent of the company’s potential customers will be Canadian. In addition, Pratt & Whitney Canada, located in Montreal, is Dornier’s largest supplier.

The new Seastar has a number of advantages over the many float-planes that are currently in use in Canada. As a purpose-built amphibian, the Seastar does not need the extensive float modifications to operate on both land and water; its composite construction is impervious to corrosion allowing low-maintenance operation in both fresh and salt water; the 180 ktas high speed cruise is best-in-class; and, its large cabin can accommodate up to 12 passengers in a commuter configuration.

The display of the Seastar at the CBAA marks the first time the aircraft has been displayed in Canada and is the inaugural stop on a tour of North America. This tour will continue throughout the summer at events such as the Experimental Aircraft Association annual AirVenture Convention at Oshkosh, WI and will end with the aircraft’s display at the NBAA Annual Convention in Orlando, FL in the fall.
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 “Pre-production sales [of the aircraft] have been going well,” according to Walker, who expects that the Company will make an announcement regarding its order book in the near future. Likewise, the Company has been working through a series of pre-production operational decisions over the past few months. One of the most important decisions that is facing the company is the selection of a North American production site. According to Walker, “Dornier Seaplane has carefully considered a number of potential productions sites and we are getting close to a decision.”

“The Canadian market for amphibious aircraft is a very important part of our future,” stated Walker. “We invite all CBAA attendees and press to visit our aircraft at the static display at Skyservice Business Aviation, Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport”.”

Dornier Seaplane Company is U.S. corporation owned by the family of Conrado Dornier, heir to a three-generation family tradition in the design, development and manufacture of aircraft and of flying boats.

Dornier Seaplane Company's vision is to lead the world’s aeromarine industry. Its mission is to make, sell and support the world’s best seaplanes. While the engineering core of the company resides in Germany, the production, sales and customer support will be established North America to form the nucleus of the world’s premier center of excellence for amphibious aviation, continuing Dornier’s tradition of innovation in aerospace.

For more information please go to www.dornierseaplane.com