Fairchild Aerospace Names Kappler Head of Design Organization; Birrenbach to Continue in Advisory Capacity

Business Wire, July 19, 1999

OBERPFAFFENHOFEN, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 19, 1999--

Fairchild Aerospace has named Professor Guenter Kappler senior vice president of engineering, replacing Reinhold Birrenbach, who is moving into an advisory role after 38 years with Fairchild and Dornier.

Kappler comes to Fairchild from BMW Rolls-Royce where he was director of engineering and served as a member of the board of directors. He was instrumental in the formation of the joint venture company BMW Rolls Royce and in the conception, development and certification of the BR700 family of engines.

"Guenter Kappler is recognized throughout the industry for his vast experience in aerospace engineering and the creativity he brings to the job at hand," said Fairchild Aerospace Chief Operating Officer John Wolf. "As part of the Fairchild team, he will be instrumental in creating a family of aircraft that will revolutionize the air transportation system of the future."

Kappler served on a number of German national aerospace boards, including the German Technology Board on Future Space Transportation Systems, the Committee on Hypersonic Technology, the German Aerospace Research and Technology Program and the Technology Board of the Prime Minister of Brandenburg. He is also widely respected in the international aerospace community and has won numerous awards including two Aviation Week & Space Technology Laurels Awards for Outstanding Achievements in Aeronautics/Propulsion, the Medal of Honor of the German Aerospace Society and the Order of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Birrenbach began his aerospace career in 1961 with Dornier and immediately began work on the Do31 vertical takeoff jet transporter. He rose through the engineering ranks with jobs of increasing responsibility to become program manager for the Do228 program in 1978. In 1985, he became chief of design and prototype construction for Dornier GmbH and then vice president Dornier 328 program, leading its development, certification and introduction into service.

In 1995, he became vice president, design, aerophysics and future projects. He was later named senior vice president of engineering for Fairchild Aerospace. In this role, he was responsible for development and certification of the 328JET, which was recently awarded certification by European and U.S. authorities.

"For decades, through his talent and innovation, Reinhold Birrenbach has been instrumental in shaping the Fairchild and Dornier product lines," said Wolf. "In this part-time advisory role, he will continue to influence the design and development of our future aircraft and will also have more time to devote to his personal life."

According to Fairchild Aerospace Chairman and CEO Carl Albert, "Reinhold is the father of the Dornier 228, the Fairchild Dornier 328 and the Fairchild Aerospace 328JET. He has served the company well for the past 38 years. All of us are indebted to him and we are grateful that he will continue in his new advisory capacity."

Fairchild Aerospace Corporation is a leading manufacturer of jet and turboprop aircraft for the airline, corporate and government markets and provides a wide range of sales, support, production and engineering services for the aviation industry. In addition to its headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, and facilities in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany, Fairchild Aerospace has offices in Washington, D.C. and other locations worldwide.