Germany-based aircraft manufacturer Dornier Seawings has signed an agreement at MEBAA with Gulf Enterprises in the United Arab Emirates that will enable the most advanced amphibian aircraft to enter the Middle Eastern market. The agreement sets out a strong partnership between both companies in sales and marketing, operational and maintenance set up, and support for the region.

Dornier Seawings' flagship aircraft is the Seastar; with its corrosion-free, all composite airframe, the Seastar offers a versatile dual operation from both land and water, even under rough conditions. In the spirit of the pioneering Dornier flying boats, the Seastar is superior in every important measure: speed, range, safety, cabin size, operating and maintenance costs.

The multi-purpose aircraft covers a wide range of operational applications from commercial and VIP passenger transportation to governmental, corporate and special missions. Certification flights are expected to be completed in 2023, followed by entry into service the following year.

“Expanding our sales network to the Middle East, by partnering with Gulf Enterprises, is a key strategic decision that brings the Next Gen Seastar to its natural environment that we are looking forward to embrace,” says co-CEO Juergen Heinrich.

“Introducing the most advanced amphibian aircraft to the Middle East is a privilege to us. Representing the pioneering spirit and heritage of Dornier is an honour,” adds Gulf Enterprises CEO Richard Haas.

“We are pleased that the Dornier legacy of flying boats is reaching our shores in the not too distant future to serve the diverse mission requirements of our ever-growing coastlines and islands,” adds MEBAA founding and executive chairman Ali Ahmed Alnaqbi.

Dornier Seawings is a joint venture with a heritage of more than 100 years in aviation in general and flying boats in particular. The company meets the highest environmental and economical operational standards.

Gulf Enterprises is a recently founded joint venture company combining global and regional aerospace expertise and resources. Based in Dubai, the company distributes and invests in innovative technology driven aerospace solutions in the Middle East.