Turkey’s TRJet on Wednesday announced an agreement to use Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) to upgrade and supply PW306B engines for its planned line of regional jets based on the Dornier 328Jet. The memorandum of understanding involves Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) German-based subsidiary 328 Support Services GmbH (328), the current type certificate holder and a major partner in TRJet’s 328 aircraft production.

“The collaboration between TRJet and P&WC, a world-leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, illustrates the proven technology and aviation expertise behind the 328 and 628 aircraft series,” said Cem Ugur, an executive officer for TRJet.

Plans call for work on the PW306B for the TRJet 32-passenger 328 aircraft series to start at P&WC’s Longueuil, Quebec facility next year, launching a production schedule that calls for first flight of the TRJ328 by 2019. Meanwhile, TRJet expects work to get underway on a turboprop engine for the T328 aircraft.

The companies plan to start design activities to coincide with development of the new 628 aircraft series—a so-called clean sheet design and the Republic of Turkey’s first domestically-designed passenger airplane. TRJet has scheduled the first 628 series airplane to fly in 2023, in honor of Turkey’s centennial.

The Dornier 328 has gained certification in 85 nations around the world and continues to operate in countries including the U.S., Switzerland, Germany, U.K. and Denmark. “Extensive market studies show that these aircraft are not only needed for Turkey’s domestic market, but there are growing regional and international demands where the sub-50-seat market is underserved,” said Dave Jackson, managing director of 328 Support Services. SNC anticipates securing licensed production of such aircraft for sale in the U.S., including sales to the U.S. government.