About the Dornier 228 / Twin Otter in Commercial Operations
The Dornier 228 and De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter are the aircraft of choice for UK island and remote-area operations. These STOL-capable aircraft serve the Scottish islands, Orkney, Shetland and the Isles of Scilly - routes where conventional aircraft cannot operate safely from short, unprepared or coastal strips. The Dornier 228 NG (new generation, built by RUAG) and the Viking Air Twin Otter Series 400 are the current production variants.
Commercial Operations Context
UK operators use these aircraft on PSO (Public Service Obligation) routes subsidised by Scottish and UK Government, commercial island charter services, scenic flight operations, aerial survey, and increasingly for offshore wind farm personnel transfer. The combination of STOL performance, reasonable payload and twin-engine reliability makes them operationally unique.
Finance Overview
Finance Types Available
- Hire Purchase (HP)
- Finance Lease
- Operating Lease
- Sale and Leaseback
Typical Market Price
£800k–£3m depending on type and age. Values vary significantly by variant, age, total time, maintenance status and avionics fit.
Typical Deposit
30% for established AOC holders with good covenants. New operators or unusual variants may require more.
Finance Term
Up to 7 years. Longer terms available for newer variants with strong residual values.
Worked Example - Dornier 228 / Twin Otter Finance
| Parameter | Example |
|---|---|
| Aircraft purchase price | £1,200,000 |
| Deposit (30%) | £360,000 |
| Finance amount | £840,000 |
| Indicative rate | 6.8% p.a. |
| Term | 7 years (84 months) |
| Indicative monthly payment | £12,595 (approx.) |
Example is illustrative only. Your rate and terms will depend on operator profile, aircraft condition and lender assessment.