Air TransportPratt & Whitney Canada delivers initial PW127XT-S engines for D328eco test aircraft
Pratt & Whitney Canada and Deutsche Aircraft announced on November 17 the delivery of the first PW127XT-S development engines to Germany. The engines will equip the initial D328eco test aircraft, TAC 1, ahead of the program’s entry into service targeted for 2027.
The PW127XT-S is designed to support the D328eco, a new-generation turboprop aimed at the regional air transport sector. According to Scott McElvaine, Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Pratt & Whitney Canada: “The PW127XT-S builds on our decades of turboprop propulsion experience and incorporates the latest innovations to enable industry-leading fuel efficiency and time on wing.”
Deutsche Aircraft expects the D328eco to deliver a 14% reduction in fuel consumption per seat compared to the original Dornier 328 platform. The aircraft will also offer 25% greater passenger capacity and feature next-generation avionics.
Nico Neumann, Chief Executive Officer of Deutsche Aircraft, stated: “With the improved performance of Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW127XT-S engines, the D328eco will offer a modern, versatile, and fuel-efficient solution for regional air transport.”
The PW127XT-S is the latest variant of Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW100 family, which has accumulated over 208 million flight hours in commercial service. The engine is expected to contribute to operational reliability and lifecycle cost improvements for regional operators.
Delivery of the test engines to Germany enables the D328eco program to progress toward its first flight, expected for 2026.
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