People’s Airline will retire its sole Embraer E170, OE-LMK “Laura”, and replace it with a 32-seat Dornier Do 328-100 on the St. Gallen-Altenrhein–Vienna route from the 2027 summer timetable. The first scheduled Dornier service is planned for 28 March 2027, with increased frequency intended to offset the aircraft’s smaller capacity.
The E170 completed its final flight on 20 October and has been grounded at Altenrhein following urgent maintenance requirements. An engine overhaul and C-check would otherwise have been due by the end of 2027, contributing to the decision to remove the aircraft after about 15 years of operation.
Helvetic Airways will operate the route with an Embraer E190 and crew on People’s behalf from 27 October 2026 through 27 March 2027, while People’s personnel undergo training and certification for the new aircraft. From 28 March, the airline plans three round trips on weekdays and two on Sundays.
The Do 328-100’s 32 seats compare with 76 on the E170. Its approximately 620 km/h cruise speed and 1,300-kilometre range are sufficient for the roughly 500-kilometre sector, although both figures are below the E170’s performance. People’s is cooperating with German operator Private Wings, which operates eight Do 328-100s, to provide operational backup when aircraft are unavailable.