POISED FOR PRODUCTION, DORNIER SEASTAR CD2 COMPLETES WESTERN DEMO TOUR; LOOKS TO NEXT MILESTONES

Seastar CD2 Undergoing CCheck In Germany Before Rest Of World Demo Tour To Include Europe, Asia & India While Production Details Finalized.

St. Jean sur Richelieu, Quebec, May 14, 2012 – Dornier Seaplane Company recently landed their Seastar CD2 seaplane in Germany after a successful US and Canadian demo tour. The tour encompassed over 220 flight hours, 184 landings on land, and 154 water landings. The CD2 is currently undergoing a C-check at RUAG at Oberpfaffenhofen Airfield in Germany, before embarking on the second half of a demonstration tour that will include Europe, India and other destinations in Asia.

The milestone comes as the company finalizes production details of the FAA and EASA-certified, all composite, amphibious aircraft. Production location negotiations have been re-energized with several new options being explored as a result of the renewed interest.  The company is currently reviewing several proposals for production in countries such as Canada, China and India.

“I am extremely pleased with the renewed interest we have recently received with regard to the possible production location for the Seastar.  We are in the process of examining all aspects of these potential partnerships, while we ready the demonstrator aircraft for the next leg of its tour,” said Conrado Dornier, Chairman of Dornier Seaplane Company.  A firm commitment and final announcement is expected to be made in 3rd Quarter 2012.

“The Seastar CD2 represents a significant investment in R&D, engineering and FAA/EASA certification to this point and will build on the 100-plus year aviation legacy of the Dornier family.  “It is imperative for us to make the right decision on where the aircraft will be produced,” added Dornier.

The recently completed demo tour lasted 3 years, beginning at the NBAA Annual Convention in 2008. During the tour though the continental US and Canada, the seaplane performed without any mechanical issues. Details of the next demonstration tour, to include Europe and Asia, are expected to be finalized in July 2012, once the C-check of the Seastar is complete.

With first delivery of Seastar expected in early 2015, Dornier Seaplane Company reports a strong preorder book for the fully-certified (FAA and EASA) seaplane and there is strong interest from other potential buyers in markets world-wide. The company has also seen strong interest in the aircraft for special missions and government applications as well and is currently in talks with governments in the North African and Asian regions.

The first 20 Seastars produced will be delivered in the current avionics configuration while options and upgrade equipment are reviewed. If configuration and equipment options become available after the initial 20 seaplanes, a retrofit package will be offered. Dornier Seaplane Company expects to deliver six seaplanes in the first year of production, then doubling production in the second year with 12 seaplanes.   Production will ramp up rapidly afterwards to meet increasing market demand.

Dornier Seaplane Company is a Canadian corporation wholly owned by Dornier Seawings AG of Germany that is a continuation of three generations of Dornier aviation heritage that designs, develops and manufactures aircraft and flying boats. Dornier Seaplane Company’s vision is to lead the world’s aeromarine industry. Its mission is to engineer, produce, sell and support the world’s best seaplanes.

Dornier Update Press Release FINAL 5 13 12

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