Need to move a group of 15 to 32 people on a short or medium-haul flight, with the flexibility of a fully chartered aircraft? The Dornier 328 fills a precise gap: too large for a private jet (too small and too expensive for a large group), too small for a commercial airliner — and that is exactly where its strength lies.
At MK Partnair, we regularly charter the Dornier 328 for professional sports teams, corporate groups, organisations, and MICE events. A reliable, well-sized aircraft that can land where others simply cannot.
The Dornier 328 at a glance
✈️ Key specifications
| Specification | Dornier 328 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 26 to 32 passengers depending on configuration |
| Range | ~1,480 km (~2h flight time) |
| Cabin length | 10.34 m |
| Cabin width | 1.89 m |
| Cabin height | 2.18 m — full stand-up cabin |
| Baggage hold | 6.28 m³ — large capacity |
| Propulsion | Turboprop (328-100) or jet engines (328JET — limited availability in Europe) |
| Runway requirement | Short-field capable — access to regional and technical airports |
| Ideal for | Sports teams, corporate groups, 20–32 pax charters |
The aircraft that fills a precise gap
Between the private jet (too small and too expensive for a large group) and the commercial airliner (too large and too rigid), the Dornier 328 occupies a niche that very few aircraft fill correctly. 20 to 32 passengers, full charter, with the flexibility of a bespoke operation — that is its value proposition.
Key advantages:
- Two cabin configurations — Business (up to 26 pax) or commercial (32 pax)
- 2.18 m cabin height — stand and move freely throughout
- 6.28 m³ baggage hold — sports equipment, cases, bulky materials
- Short-field performance — access to regional airports unavailable to commercial airliners
- Galley on board — snacks and refreshments prepared by the crew
Who is the Dornier 328 for?
🏅 Professional sports teams and organisations
The Dornier 328 is one of the most widely used aircraft for professional sports team travel — football, basketball, rugby, and any discipline that moves a group of 20 to 30 people with equipment. It allows the entire travelling party to board a single aircraft, with enough hold space for kit bags, transport cases, and medical equipment.
- Players, coaching staff, medical team, management — everyone on the same flight
- 6.28 m³ hold — transport cases, kit bags, medical equipment
- Cabin configuration adapted to the club’s requirements
- Direct access to regional airports close to stadiums and training facilities
- Discreet, controlled operations — no commercial terminal
🏢 Corporate group travel
For companies organising bespoke group travel — seminars, client trips, team transfers to a site —, the Dornier 328 offers the flexibility that a commercial flight simply cannot: departure time of your choice, airport of your choice, your group on one aircraft.
- Full charter — the aircraft is exclusively dedicated to your group
- Departure at your chosen time, from the most convenient airport
- Business configuration up to 26 seats for genuine comfort on 1 to 2-hour legs
- Branding and personalisation available depending on the operator
💡 MK Partnair’s take: The Dornier 328 is often the solution that clubs and companies haven’t discovered yet — and which answers exactly their need. A reliable, well-sized aircraft that can land where larger planes cannot. For a group of 20 to 30 people on a flight under 2 hours, it is hard to beat on value.
A key advantage: access to complex airports
MK Partnair and qualified crews for demanding airfields
The Dornier 328 can operate from short runways and technically demanding airports — a significant advantage for groups that need to land as close as possible to their actual destination.
MK Partnair is one of the very few charter operators in Europe able to operate into complex airports such as Annecy (LFLP), thanks to crews specifically qualified for these approaches. Annecy airport — surrounded by Alpine terrain, with demanding non-standard approach procedures — is out of reach for most operators who do not hold the required qualifications. At MK Partnair, this is a genuine operational capability.
- Annecy (LFLP) — demanding Alpine airfield, qualified crews available
- London City (EGLC) — certified for steep approach procedures
- Many short-field regional airports across France and Europe
💡 MK Partnair tip: A club based in Haute-Savoie, a seminar in the Alps, a group transfer to an Alpine destination — if you need a group aircraft that lands at Annecy, contact us directly. It is one of our operational strengths and we have the crews to do it.
The two cabin configurations
| Configuration | Seats | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Business | Up to 26 passengers | Sports teams, corporate groups, MICE |
| Commercial | 32 passengers | Supporter groups, transfers, events |
In both configurations, the cabin remains quiet and genuinely comfortable. The galley allows the crew to prepare snacks and refreshments throughout the flight.
Sample routes
| Destination | Flight time | Recommended airport |
|---|---|---|
| Annecy | ~55 min | Annecy-Haute-Savoie (LFLP) — MK Partnair qualified crews |
| Lyon | ~50 min | Lyon-Bron or Saint-Exupéry |
| Nice | ~1h15 | Nice Côte d’Azur |
| London | ~1h10 | London City, Biggin Hill |
| Auxerre | ~30 min | Auxerre-Branches (LFLA) |
| Barcelona | ~1h30 | El Prat |
| San Sebastián | ~1h20 | San Sebastián – Hondarribia (EAS) |
Frequently asked questions — Dornier 328 charter
How many passengers can a Dornier 328 carry?
The Dornier 328 carries up to 26 passengers in Business configuration or 32 passengers in commercial configuration. The layout is adapted based on the group’s profile and the nature of the trip.
Is the Dornier 328 suitable for professional sports teams?
Yes — it is one of its most common use cases. Football, basketball, rugby — the 20 to 26-seat Business configuration matches exactly the size of a professional travelling party (players plus staff). The 6.28 m³ hold accommodates transport cases, kit bags, and medical equipment. Access to regional airports also means landing much closer to the stadium or training ground.
Why can MK Partnair operate into Annecy when others cannot?
Annecy-Haute-Savoie airport has specific constraints: surrounding Alpine terrain, non-standard approach procedures, and additional crew qualifications required. The vast majority of operators do not hold these qualifications. MK Partnair works with crews specifically qualified for this airfield, allowing us to operate into Annecy on a regular and safe basis.
What is the difference between the Dornier 328 and the Dornier 328JET?
The Dornier 328-100 is turboprop-powered — more economical, recommended for short legs, and the version most commonly available in Europe. The Dornier 328JET is jet-powered — faster, with extended range, but has limited availability on the European charter market. The cabin is identical in both versions.
How much does a Dornier 328 charter cost?
Pricing depends on the route, availability, and configuration. As a general indication, a return charter on a Dornier 328 typically falls between €20,000 and €30,000, depending on distance and market conditions. Request a quote for your route →
Charter your Dornier 328 with MK Partnair
Since 2012, MK Partnair has been organising charter flights for professional groups across Europe: sports teams, companies, organisations, and MICE events. Our approach:
- ✅ Free quote within 2 hours
- ✅ Net prices, no surprises
- ✅ Crews qualified for complex airfields
- ✅ Dedicated advisor 24/7
Whether you are organising a sports trip, a seminar, or a group transfer, we find the best-suited solution for your needs — and we will always tell you honestly if another aircraft is a better fit.
