Founder and trailblazer

Claude Honoré Desiré Dornier is born in Kempten on 14 May 1884.
Following studies in mechanical engineering, he starts his career in 1910 at Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH. There he develops a revolving hangar for airships. Graf Zeppelin immediately recognises and promotes Dornier’s talent.
As the head of his own department, he can focus entirely on technical design and experimentation.

His department leads to an independent company, Dornier-Metallbauten GmbH, with headquarters in Friedrichshafen-Manzell. In 1932, Claude Dornier becomes the sole shareholder.

In the 1920s, Dornier brings to fruition a number of different aircraft projects that are made – in revolutionary fashion – nearly completely out of metal. The Do Merkur achieves seven world records, polar explorer Roald Amundsen makes spectacular flights over the Arctic in a Do Wal in 1925, and the Do X enters into history as the largest flying boat of its time. Because many of the over 100 types of aircraft are produced abroad, Dornier gains international recognition early on. Following his death on 5 December 1969, ownership of the Dornier Group passes to a community of heirs consisting of his widow and six sons.