Midsize Jet - Legacy Production (Regional Jet Derivative)
Fairchild Dornier Envoy 3 (Do 328JET): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Fairchild Dornier
Fairchild Dornier Envoy 3 (Do 328JET): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Fairchild Dornier Envoy 3 (Do 328-310), produced from 1999 to 2002, is the corporate VIP variant of the Dornier 328JET regional airliner, representing a unique value proposition in business aviation: a large-cabin aircraft with corporate jet pricing. Originally developed as part of Fairchild's planned Envoy family (Envoy 3, 5, 7, and 9 based on different 328/728/528/928 regional aircraft variants), the Envoy 3 used the proven Do 328JET airframe (a stretched, jet-powered evolution of the turboprop Do 328 regional aircraft) fitted with a 12-passenger executive interior and increased fuel capacity for 2,000+ nautical mile range. Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306B turbofan engines, the Envoy 3 delivers 400+ ktas cruise speed, exceptional short-field capability (operating from runways as short as 4,265 feet), and a 6 ft 2 in stand-up flat floor cabin measuring 33.9 ft long and 7 ft 2 in wide (the widest cabin in its price class). Only 11 Envoy 3 corporate variants were built before Fairchild Dornier's 2002 bankruptcy ended the program. Original new price was $13 million; pre-owned market today: $1.5 to $3.5 million.
For operators wanting a substantially larger cabin than traditional midsize jets at midsize pricing, the Envoy 3 represents one of business aviation's most distinctive value propositions.
Envoy 3 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Midsize Jet - Legacy Production (Regional Jet Derivative) |
| Production Status | Discontinued 2002 (Fairchild Dornier bankruptcy) |
| Designation | Fairchild Dornier 328JET Corporate / Envoy 3 / Do 328-310 |
| Base Platform | Do 328JET (32-seat regional jet) |
| Manufacturer | Fairchild Dornier (later AvCraft Aviation) |
| Service Entry | 1999-2000 |
| Production Years | 1999 to 2002 |
| Total Corporate Variants Built | 11 |
| Total 328JET Platform Built (All Variants) | ~83 |
| Crew | 2 pilots / 1 cabin crew |
| Passengers (Standard VIP) | 12 |
| Passengers (Max VIP) | 19 |
| Passengers (Shuttle Configuration) | Up to 32 |
| Engines | 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306B turbofans |
| Max Range (With Extended Tanks) | 2,000 to 2,100 nm |
| Base 328JET Range | 1,700 km (~920 nm, without extended tanks) |
| Max Cruise Speed | 400+ ktas (620 km/h, 335 kts normal cruise) |
| Avionics | Honeywell Primus 2000 |
| Short Field Capability | 1,300 m (4,265 ft) runway |
| Cabin Length | 33.9 ft |
| Cabin Width | 7 ft 2 in (widest in price class) |
| Cabin Height | 6 ft 2 in (stand-up flat floor) |
| Cabin Volume | 1,183 cu ft (largest in price class) |
| Cabin Floor | Flat floor (aisle not recessed) |
| Total Baggage Volume | 176 cu ft (7.78 m³) |
| Original New Price | $13,000,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $1,500,000 to $3,500,000 |
History as the Discontinued Fairchild Envoy Family
The Envoy 3 was part of Fairchild Aerospace's ambitious plan to create a family of corporate aircraft based on regional jet platforms. The plan included:
- Envoy 3: Based on 32-seat 328JET ($13M new)
- Envoy 5: Planned, based on 50-seat 528JET
- Envoy 7: Based on 70-seat 728JET ($28.5M introductory, less than $30M)
- Envoy 9: Planned, based on 90-seat 928JET
Platform timeline:
- June 1999: Paris Air Show debut
- June 1999: 328JET certification
- October 1999: First Envoy 3 unveiled at NBAA convention
- 1999-2002: Production run (11 corporate variants)
- 2002: Fairchild Dornier bankruptcy
- 2002: AvCraft Aviation takes over support
- 2005: AvCraft Aviation bankruptcy
- Today: 328 Support Services and others provide ongoing parts/service
The Fairchild Dornier 2002 bankruptcy ended the Envoy family vision before the planned 5, 7, and 9 could be commercially produced.
Why the Envoy 3 Is Distinctive
The Envoy 3 represents a unique value proposition based on three key differentiators:
1. Regional Jet Cabin at Corporate Jet Pricing
- 1,183 cu ft cabin: Larger than midsize jets
- 7 ft 2 in width: Widest in midsize price class
- 6 ft 2 in stand-up height: Full upright
- 33.9 ft cabin length: Substantially longer than midsize
- $13M new price: Vs $20M+ for similar-cabin large jets
2. Short-Field Capability
Unique among aircraft with similar cabin space:
- 1,300 m (4,265 ft) runway: Exceptional short-field
- Access to small airports: Major operational benefit
- High climb rate: Mountain airport capability
- High-altitude airport approved: Operational flexibility
3. Regional Jet Heritage
Built on the proven Do 328JET regional jet platform:
- Robust airframe: Designed for commercial cycles
- Proven systems reliability: Commercial airline-grade
- Multiple operational configurations: Convertible to VIP, medevac, shuttle
Cabin Interior
The Envoy 3 cabin features the largest dimensions in its price class:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 33.9 ft |
| Cabin Width | 7 ft 2 in (86 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 6 ft 2 in (74 inches - stand-up flat floor) |
| Cabin Volume | 1,183 cu ft |
| Total Baggage Volume | 176 cu ft |
Standard 12-Passenger VIP Configuration
- Large Forward Galley: Starboard wall
- 3-Place Divan: Standard
- Entertainment Center: Standard
- 10 Individual Chairs: Standard
- Two Club Areas With Tables: Standard
- Full-Width Aft Lavatory: Standard
- In-Flight Baggage Access: Through lavatory
Alternative Configurations
- 19-Passenger VIP: Larger group capacity
- Up to 32-Passenger Shuttle: Commercial shuttle role
- Medevac Conversion: Operational flexibility
- Hybrid Layouts: Customer specific
Cabin Features (Premium Variants)
- Tuned passive noise reduction: Quiet cabin
- Custom entertainment systems: With Blu-ray, Xbox, surround sound
- Individual 10" monitors: Per seat
- Fore/aft 14" monitors: Cabin viewing
- Credenza pop-up 31" TV: Distinctive feature
- Dual AVOD movie storage: 500-movie capacity
- High-speed internet: Available
- 6 inflatable beds: Long-haul configuration option
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 400+ ktas |
| Normal Cruise Speed | 620 km/h (335 ktas) |
| Range (With Extended Tanks) | 2,000 to 2,100 nm |
| Base Range (Without Extended Tanks) | 920 nm |
| Range Extension | Via fuel tank addition |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Short Field Capability | 1,300 m (4,265 ft) |
| Mountain Airport Capable | Yes |
| High-Altitude Operations | Approved |
Engines
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306B turbofan engines. The PW306B is a proven regional jet engine family, providing modest fuel burn for the cabin size.
Avionics
Honeywell Primus 2000 integrated avionics suite:
- Modern glass cockpit: For 1999-2002 era
- Multi-function displays: Standard
- Modern flight management: Standard
- Common retrofits: ADS-B Out, WAAS/LPV upgrades
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel | $1,800 to $2,400 |
| Engine Reserve | $500 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $700 |
| Misc Variable | $400 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$3,400 to $4,000/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $2.8 to $3.1 million all-in.
Charter rates: Variable depending on configuration.
Pricing
Pre-owned Envoy 3 corporate variants typically range $1.5 to $3.5 million depending on configuration, condition, and avionics retrofit status. With only 11 corporate variants built, market availability is extremely limited.
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Operators Wanting Large Cabin at Midsize Pricing: Unique value proposition
- Short-Field Operations: 4,265 ft runway capability
- Group Charter Operators: 12-32 passenger flexibility
- Aviation Enthusiasts: Rare collector aircraft (11 corporate built)
- Medevac Conversion Operators: Flexible cabin
Less suited if:
- You need single-pilot certification (not certified)
- You require modern factory product support (Fairchild Dornier bankrupt 2002)
- You want widely-available parts (small fleet)
- You need transcontinental U.S. range (2,000-2,100 nm marginal)
- You require Mach 0.80+ cruise (slower than typical midsize)
Pros and Cons
What the Envoy 3 Does Well
- 1,183 cu ft cabin (largest in midsize price class)
- 7'2" cabin width (widest in midsize price class)
- 6'2" stand-up flat floor cabin
- 33.9 ft cabin length
- 176 cu ft baggage capacity
- 4,265 ft short-field capability
- Mountain airport and high-altitude approved
- 12-32 passenger flexibility (VIP to shuttle)
- $13M new at fraction of large-jet pricing
- Regional jet robustness
- 2,000-2,100 nm range with extended tanks
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Only 11 corporate variants built
- Fairchild Dornier bankrupt 2002
- AvCraft Aviation also bankrupt 2005
- Limited parts and service network
- 400+ ktas cruise slower than typical midsize (Mach 0.80)
- 2,000-2,100 nm range only with extended tanks
- Honeywell Primus 2000 avionics dated
- Two-pilot operation required
- High initial conversion costs if VIP retrofit needed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fairchild Dornier Envoy 3?
The Envoy 3 is the corporate VIP variant of the Fairchild Dornier 328JET regional airliner (Do 328-310), fitted with a 12-passenger executive interior and extended fuel tanks for 2,000+ nm range. It was the first member of Fairchild's planned Envoy corporate family (3, 5, 7, 9), but Fairchild Dornier bankruptcy in 2002 ended the program after only 11 corporate variants were built.
How is the Envoy 3 different from the 328JET regional jet?
The Envoy 3 is the corporate VIP variant of the 328JET. Key differences: 12-passenger executive interior (vs 32-seat regional layout), extended fuel tanks for 2,000+ nm range (vs base 920 nm), premium cabin amenities (entertainment, galley, bedded seats), and custom soundproofing. The basic Do 328-310 airframe and PW306B engines are the same.
How many Envoy 3s were built?
Only 11 Envoy 3 corporate variants were built before Fairchild Dornier bankruptcy in 2002 ended production. The broader 328JET platform produced approximately 83 aircraft across regional and corporate variants.
How far can an Envoy 3 fly?
With extended fuel tanks (corporate configuration), the Envoy 3 has a range of approximately 2,000 to 2,100 nautical miles. The base 328JET (without extended tanks) has a range of approximately 920 nm.
Is the Envoy 3 single-pilot certified?
No. The Envoy 3 requires two pilots plus optional cabin crew.
What engines power the Envoy 3?
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306B turbofan engines.
Why is the Envoy 3 unique?
The Envoy 3 offers a regional jet-sized cabin (1,183 cu ft, 7'2" wide, 6'2" stand-up) at midsize jet pricing ($13M new, $1.5-$3.5M pre-owned). Combined with exceptional short-field capability (4,265 ft runways), it provides operational flexibility unmatched in its price class.
What happened to Fairchild Dornier?
Fairchild Dornier filed bankruptcy in 2002, ending the Envoy family vision. AvCraft Aviation took over the program but also went bankrupt in 2005. Today, 328 Support Services and other specialty providers offer ongoing parts/service for the platform.
The Bottom Line
The Fairchild Dornier Envoy 3 is one of business aviation's most distinctive value propositions: a regional jet-sized cabin at midsize jet pricing, with exceptional short-field capability and flexible 12-32 passenger configurations. With only 11 corporate variants built before Fairchild Dornier bankruptcy ended production in 2002, the Envoy 3 is a rare collector aircraft with a small but committed operator base. At current pre-owned pricing of $1.5 to $3.5 million, the platform offers exceptional cabin value for operators willing to accept the support tradeoffs. For organizations needing 12-32 passenger flexibility, short-field operations, or the largest cabin available in midsize pricing, the Envoy 3 remains compelling.
Quantum Jets supports the platform across private jet charter, private jet rental, private jet card programs, aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, and aircraft leasing structures.
Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for Envoy 3 market intelligence and pre-buy diligence with substantial attention to support continuity and parts availability.
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Book a Fairchild Dornier Envoy 3 (Do 328JET) on the Quantum Jets App by AVIA Technologies
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Fairchild Dornier Envoy 3 (Do 328JET) Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Fairchild Dornier Envoy 3 (Do 328JET) operators and prospective owners across the full lifecycle of private jet ownership. Whether the goal is jet charter for a one-off trip, a private jet rental for a busy season, or a private jet charter program tied to a recurring travel pattern, our team builds the right structure around the Fairchild Dornier Envoy 3 (Do 328JET) for the mission.
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If you are evaluating a Fairchild Dornier Envoy 3 (Do 328JET) for purchase, charter, lease, fractional access, management, refurbishment, or sale, talk to a Quantum Jets broker for a custom market scan and pre-buy diligence.
Related Aircraft Guides:
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- Dornier 328JET (Regional): Base Platform Variant
Production of the Envoy 3 ended in 2002 due to Fairchild Dornier bankruptcy. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Specialty providers offer ongoing parts/service for the platform. Specifications accurate as of 2026.