D328eco update: Deutsche Aircraft marks major milestones in Germany’s regional aircraft revival
October 25, 2025
With Deutsche Aircraft setting its sights on the vast potential of India’s burgeoning aviation market, the German startup is positioning itself as a leader in regional connectivity with its D328eco.
Founded on the legacy of the Dornier 328, Deutsche Aircraft is positioning itself as a revitalised original equipment manufacturer (OEM) building next-generation regional turboprops in Europe.
At the heart of this revival is the OEM’s flagship aircraft, the D328eco. Anchored in German engineering and sustainability, the 40-seat turboprop builds on the DNA of the Dornier 328, modernising it with more efficient engines and avionics.
“The D328eco will be capable of flying faster than any other turboprop in production,” according to Deutsche Aircraft. “Its ability to operate on shorter runways enables access to remote communities, fostering economic growth and boosting tourism in underserved areas,” added the OEM.
Key features of the D328eco:
- Maximum range of 655nm at full capacity and maximum cruising speed of 324kts
- Short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities
- Optimised fuel consumption
- High-altitude and hot-weather performance
- 100% Power to Liquid – sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) compatibility
- Quiet, ergonomic cabin
Deutsche Aircraft’s year of milestones
This year (2025) has been a landmark year for Deutsche Aircraft with a steady stream of announcements. On 30 April, two years after construction began, Deutsche Aircraft laid the cornerstone for its Final Assembly Line at Leipzig/ Halle Airport. The CO2-neutral manufacturing facility, scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, will feature a commissioning hangar, logistics centre and administrative building.
“We are making a clear statement: We are bringing the development of a regional aircraft, based on the DNA of Dornier, entirely back to Germany, ” said Nico Neumann, Co-CEO of Deutsche Aircraft, during the ceremony in April.
Just a month later, Deutsche Aircraft unveiled its first D328eco test aircraft at its Airtech Campus headquarters in Oberpfaffenhofen. The unveiling marked a shift from design to practical flight-test preparation, which in turn triggered a further wave of announcements in the months that followed.
During this year’s Paris Airshow in June, Deutsche Aircraft revealed a series of developments, including the integration of a new Garmin G5000 PRIME flight deck into the turboprop.
Speaking to Aerospace Global News during the airshow, Neumann described the partnership with Garmin as a “crucial next step” in making the D328eco “more flexible and intuitive for pilots and crew.”
“It’s like using an iPhone,” he added. “The weather awareness and system integration are incredible. Pilots love the simplicity and situational clarity it brings.”
Additional highlights from Paris Airshow include:
- A leadership transition with Nico Neumann appointed as CEO of Deutsche Aircraft and Dave Jackson assuming the role of CEO of Deutsche Aircraft Group.
- A Memorandum of Understanding with Aerodata to develop a German-made D328eco Special Mission Aircraft, designed to improve Europe’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
- A strengthened partnership with Pratt & Whitney Canada to integrate the PW127XT-S engine, enabling cleaner and more efficient regional air travel.
- The appointment of Aernnova as the empennage supplier, completing the primary structure lineup.
Momentum has continued to gather pace beyond Paris
Since the Paris Airshow, Deutsche Aircraft has shown no signs of slowing:
- In July, the OEM signed an agreement with TEST-FUCHS to begin testing the aircraft’s advanced fuel system, including trials with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
- Rasakti was selected to supply precision tooling and ground support equipment for the D328eco and its Pratt & Whitney PW127XT-S engine.
- At the end of September, Akkodis agreed to become a first-tier supplier, overseeing system integration, ground and flight testing and final certification.
- In the first half of October, two more strategic partnerships were signed. Expleo agreed an engineering services deal, while Jungheinrich was appointed to automate Deutsche Aircraft’s logistics centre at Leipzig/ Halle Airport.
Why India is the next frontier for Deutsche Aircraft
Looking east, Deutsche Aircraft is eyeing rapid growth in India’s aviation market. The OEM will host its ‘Wings of Opportunity’ event in New Delhi in November. The event will be held in collaboration with key Indian organisations, including Aerospace India Association, Cyient (developer of the D328eco’s cabin management system), Dynamatic Technologies (the turboprop’s rear fuselage manufacturer in Bangalore) and SASMOS HET.
Recognising India as the third-largest domestic aviation market with over 220 million passengers in 2024 an annual growth rate of 6.2%, Deutsche Aircraft sees vast potential for the D328eco in the region. The aircraft is well-suited to leverage the Indian government’s UDAN regional connectivity scheme, which aims to link Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, via regional airports (of which there are currently 157), many of which have short runways. Plans are afoot for 50 more airports.
According to Deutsche Aircraft, the D328eco is purpose-built to support India’s regional aviation goals, combining performance, sustainability and efficiency.
Challenges ahead for Deutsche Aircraft
Despite strong progress, several hurdles remain. Certification and first delivery are still pending milestones. Meanwhile, the global supply chain continues to pose challenges around timely supply and the ability to manage cost pressures.
In addition, Deutsche Aircraft continues to face competition from other regional aircraft manufacturers as new turboprops, regional jets and emerging hybrid technologies continue to vie for market share.
However, if Deutsche Aircraft successfully delivers its D328eco programme on time and progresses with its anticipated entry into service in the final quarter of 2027, it could re-establish Germany as a leader in regional aircraft manufacturing.
From infrastructure developments and partnerships to design and rollout, Deutsche Aircraft continues to build momentum. And, while the path from prototype to passenger service remains the critical next phase, the company’s current trajectory points to a comeback for German regional aircraft manufacturing.
