Air TransportDeutsche Aircraft celebrates the progress of the final assembly line in Leipzig
Deutsche Aircraft held a ceremony for its new final assembly line at Leipzig/Halle Airport on November 14. The facility will produce the D328eco, a 40-seat turboprop aimed at the regional market.
The event represents a key phase in the industrialization of the D328eco and reinforces Germany’s role in regional aircraft manufacturing focused on sustainability. The production line is designed to be both carbon-neutral and fully digital.
“This milestone is a testament to our team’s dedication and technical expertise. Building upon the robust foundation of the Dornier 328, we’ve integrated modern technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability. The rollout reflects our commitment to delivering a next-generation aircraft that meets the evolving demands of regional aviation,” said Olaf Lawrenz, COO of Deutsche Aircraft.
The assembly site covers 60,500 square meters and is expected to produce up to 48 aircraft annually. Deutsche Aircraft projects the creation of 250 to 350 highly skilled jobs at the location.
The company has invested €100 million in the Leipzig site, prioritizing climate-friendly manufacturing processes and advanced production technologies. The D328eco is positioned to deliver 50% greater fuel efficiency compared to regional jets in its class.
Deutsche Aircraft has postponed the maiden flight of the D328eco prototype to 2026, shifting from its previous target of a first flight in 2025. The company has reiterated its commitment to introducing the regional turboprop into commercial service in the fourth quarter of 2027.
The D328eco, an updated version of the Dornier 328, incorporates new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127XT-S engines and a Garmin G5000 Prime avionics suite. The fuselage has been stretched by 2.1 meters, allowing the aircraft to accommodate up to 40 seats, compared to the original 32-seat configuration.
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