D328eco rollout
May 28, 2025
Deutsche Aircraft has rolled out the first D328eco test aircraft (TAC 1) in the Airtech Campus at Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich in Bavaria, marking a return to building passenger aircraft in Germany after a gap of more than 20 years.
The rollout event was attended by more than 500 guests, including key stakeholders from the Bavarian and Federal Government, industry partners, suppliers and regional, national and international media representatives. The high turnout demonstrates the considerable interest in Deutsche Aircraft’s innovative approach to sustainable aviation and in the return of passenger aircraft manufacturing.
Marie-Christine von Hahn, the Chief Executive Officer of the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI), highlighted the significance of the rollout for the entire German aerospace sector, saying that: “Innovations in the air improve our lives on the ground. Deutsche Aircraft is sending a strong signal on behalf of the entire industry: German aviation is a global leader.”
Deutsche Aircraft said that the roll out of the test aircraft underscored the company’s commitment to innovation, decarbonisation and regional connectivity. Following the rollout of TAC1, Deutsche Aircraft will start the test campaign, marking a significant step towards type certification and the aircraft’s subsequent entry into service in the fourth quarter of 2027.
The first test aircraft, designated TAC1, has been built by combining two Dornier 328 airframes – mating the nose and empennage of one with the centre fuselage of another. TAC1 incorporates 60% existing Do 328 components, and is 40% new. This aircraft will be used for validating the aircraft’s handling characteristics.
TAC2 has all D328 eco type design systems, and will be used for systems testing, while TAC3 will conform 100% with the D328 eco, and will be fully equipped with the final standard components and systems. It will also be the first aircraft to be built in Leipzig.
“The roll out of our first test aircraft marks a significant achievement in the D328eco programme and an important step towards our physical flight test activities. This milestone represents our transition from conceptual design to practical testing and industrialisation. At Deutsche Aircraft, we are proud to introduce an aircraft with the proven DNA of the Dornier 328, enhanced for better efficiency, reduced emissions and a superior customer experience, making it an optimal choice for regional operators worldwide.”
Nico Neumann, Co-CEO of Deutsche Aircraft
What is the D328eco?
The D328eco is not officially a Dornier, though Oberpfaffenhofen is the historic home of the legendary German aircraft company. When the Do 328 first took shape, it was the home of the Dornier division of Deutsche Aerospace, Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH. This company was acquired by US firm, Fairchild Aircraft, in 1996, becoming Fairchild-Dornier.
Following the 2002 bankruptcy of Fairchild Dornier, AvCraft Aviation acquired the Dornier 328/328JET rights, but this company also entered bankruptcy less than three years later. In June 2006, 328 Support Services GmbH acquired the type certificate for the Dornier 328 and was itself acquired by the Sierra Nevada Corporation in February 2015.
328 Support Services announced the formation of DRA GmbH on 21 August 2019. The new DRA GmbH was not allowed to use the Dornier trademark as this belongs to Airbus and was used by its Dornier Consulting subsidiary. DRA GmbH therefore created a new brand, Deutsche Aircraft, and this new entity set up a final assembly line for a new version of the aircraft, named the 328NEU, at Leipzig/Halle Airport, creating 250 new jobs and more than 100 jobs at Oberpfaffenhofen. The 328NEU subsequently became the D328neo.
The D328eco is an advanced evolution of the proven Dornier 328, and not a clean-sheet design – a turboprop (r)evolution, the company says. The aim has been to create what Deutsche Aircraft calls a “future-ready platform” that will provide climate-conscious, fuel-efficient regional air travel. The company says that the D328eco will set new standards in regional aviation, while retaining the versatility and reliability that airlines, operators and passengers have associated with the Do 328, building on the “proven legacy” of the aircraft that they have trusted for more than three decades.
Olaf Lawrenz, COO of Deutsche Aircraft, said of the rollout of TAC1 that: “This milestone is a testament to our team’s dedication and technical expertise. Building upon the robust foundation of the Dornier 328, an aircraft ahead of its time, we have integrated modern technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability. The rollout reflects our commitment to delivering a next-generation regional aircraft that combines proven reliability with cutting-edge advancements to meet the evolving demands of regional aviation.”
What’s next for the D328eco?
The D328eco will exploit cutting-edge manufacturing processes as well as integrating next-generation avionics. The Companion integrated flight deck is based on the Garmin G5000 avionics suite and was designed for the D328eco. It allows superior situational awareness, reduces pilot work and increases efficiency, while reducing maintenance costs and improving reliability.
Deutsche Aircraft claim unmatched fuel efficiency thanks to the modernised aerodynamics and state-of-the-art propulsion systems in the shape of the Pratt & Whitney PW127XT-S engine. The PW127XT-S was customised for the D328eco, and is claimed to be the most efficient, cost-effective and modern turboprop engine available today. Increased shaft horsepower supports the increased maximum take-off weight, and the PW127XT-S engine will extend time-on-wing while reducing emissions, operating costs and maintenance costs.
The D328eco enjoys enhanced and optimised operational performance, and is capable of handling extreme weather conditions, remote locations and challenging runways. The aircraft has a new landing gear from Heggemann AG and a gravel kit, which builds on the already impressive field performance of the Do 328, allowing the D328eco to access unpaved runways, thereby allowing unbeatable operational flexibility.
The airframe of the D328eco incorporates a two-metre stretch compared to the original Do 328, which increases the seating capacity to 40 passengers (a 20% increase), enhancing the proven multi-role capability of the type. The cabin design is quiet and fully customisable and offers ample space for passengers, with large overhead bins and a galley for hot and cold service.
Deutsche Aircraft developed the D328eco in close collaboration with regulatory authorities, strategic industry partners and a global supply chain, and its significance promises to spread far beyond Germany.
