D328eco taking shape: Deutsche Aircraft’s push to bring a new regional, sustainable workhorse to market
February 7, 2026
Just days into her new role as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Deutsche Aircraft, Anastasija Visnakova is already setting out an ambitious commercial vision for the German OEM.
Having formally stepped into the position on 2 February after nearly four years as vice president of sales and marketing, she now oversees an expanded portfolio covering sales, marketing, aftermarket support and training.
Her objective is clear: unify the business and customer journey, while preparing the market for the entry into service of the D328eco and positioning Deutsche Aircraft as a provider of end-to-end solutions for regional operators across the globe.
Deutsche Aircraft’s unified commercial strategy
“My responsibilities in my previous role already resembled those of a CCO,” she told Aerospace Global News in an exclusive interview. “But we are now broadening the scope. Our goal is to bring the entire customer experience under one umbrella – from an initial aircraft sale and delivery through to aftermarket support, training and long-term lifecycle services.”
The company’s organisational shift reflects a wider industry trend. Airlines are increasingly seeking OEM partners that can provide turnkey support rather than simply selling and delivering aircraft.
Deutsche Aircraft’s strategy focuses on long-term relationships, ensuring operators are able to deploy aircraft immediately while maintaining profitability over the lifecycle of their fleets.
“We want customers on the wing from day one,” she said. “That means comprehensive support packages, global customer assistance and predictive maintenance tools — everything needed to keep aircraft flying efficiently.”
A critical year ahead for the D328eco
Looking to the near-term future, Visnakova described the current phase in delivering the D328eco to market as “vital” for the programme.
Industrialisation is underway, with the final assembly line in Leipzig scheduled to open in May. Meanwhile, the aircraft is approaching key technical milestones, including ground testing and a targeted first flight in the second half of the year.
From a commercial perspective, Deutsche Aircraft is also advancing multiple sales campaigns while expanding its global footprint.
The OEM is also supporting its legacy fleet consisting of Dornier 328 turboprops and jets, which continue to see strong demand worldwide.
Operators frequently approach the company as a focal point to facilitate leasing arrangements, aircraft placements or ACMI opportunities, highlighting the manufacturer’s growing role as a commercial ecosystem partner.
Sales momentum and market pipeline for the D328eco
Interest in the D328eco is building steadily. Visnakova confirmed that approximately 150 aircraft are currently covered by letters of intent (LoIs), many of which remain undisclosed. Beyond these early commitments, the wider sales pipeline is approaching 600 aircraft globally.
The company’s core target customers are established regional operators facing the challenge of replacing ageing fleets with more economical aircraft.
“Airlines plan far ahead,” Visnakova said. “They are looking for solutions that reduce operating costs while improving reliability and enhancing the passenger experience.”
Geographically, Deutsche Aircraft sees strong opportunities beyond its traditional regional markets in Europe, including in the Middle East and Africa.
Oil and gas operations and multi-role missions are driving interest in the Middle East, while African carriers, which have traditionally relied on secondary-market aircraft, are increasingly evaluating new models that offer improved economics and operational sustainability.
Multi-role operations driving government interest in the D328eco
Visnakova also revealed a surge in demand for multi-role aircraft configurations, driven partly by the geopolitical environment. Roughly 30% of the global Dornier 328 fleet already operates in non-civil roles, including humanitarian missions, medical evacuation, surveillance and VIP transport, she explained.
“There’s significant interest from governments, particularly NATO countries,” she added. “Although the D328eco is a civil-certified aircraft, its flexibility and low operating costs make it highly attractive for multi-role operations.”
Many governments are also seeking turnkey solutions. They’re not just after aircraft, but operational support and data services, according to Visnakova, reinforcing Deutsche Aircraft’s broader strategy of providing integrated service offerings.
D328eco certification and delivery pipeline
With all suppliers already onboard, the first test flight for the D328eco is anticipated for Q3 to Q4, 2026.
These including Garmin, which announced a strengthening of its collaboration with the OEM at Paris Airshow last year, and Pratt & Whitney, whose PW127XT-S engines will power the turboprop.
The OEM remains focused on achieving European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification by the end of 2027. First customer deliveries are planned for early 2028.
In terms of competition, Visnakova conceded that French OEM ATR is Deutsche Aircraft’s main competitor in the segment. However, she also emphasised that the market is large enough for both players.
She also noted that the D328eco differentiates itself from aircraft such as the ATR 42 twin turboprop through its robustness, performance in remote environments and its suitability for a variety of challenging runway conditions.
What can passengers expect from the D328eco?
The D328eco’s range of approximately 650nm covers more than 90% of typical regional routes, with many sectors averaging around 300nm or one hour of flight time.
Beyond operational performance, the OEM is investing heavily in the passenger experience with Visnakova recognising that this is where airlines can leverage ancillary revenue opportunities. In line with this, the 40-seater D328eco delivers a comfortable, roomy living space with a 2-1 seat configuration, meaning every passenger has access to the aisle or a window.
“The focus in the cabin isn’t just seat pitch and extra inches. It’s about creating a comfortable living space where airlines can generate ancillary revenue through connectivity, onboard services and flexible cabin layouts.”
The aircraft will offer modern connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and charging facilities, alongside a spacious cabin design intended to enhance passenger comfort.
Maintenance efficiency has also been prioritised. Standardised cabin panels and common part numbers allow operators to replace damaged components quickly, which in turn will reduce downtime and inventory complexity.
How Deutsche Aircraft is delivering on sustainability goals with the D328eco
From a sustainability perspective, the D328eco offers up to 50% better fuel efficiency than other regional jets in the same size category. It will also be fully compatible with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from day one.
While acknowledging challenges related to SAF availability and cost, Deutsche Aircraft is working with suppliers and fuel producers to support operators as adoption expands.
The company is also building a global 24/7 customer support network, digital service platforms and predictive maintenance capabilities. Long-term training programmes and lifecycle solutions are central to the OEM’s unified commercial vision.
“Our goal is to build lasting partnerships,” said Visnakova. “We want to support airlines’ business cases, sustainability targets and operational models.”
Deutsche Aircraft: Championing regional aviation
A passionate advocate for regional aviation, Visnakova draws on experience from both airline and OEM perspectives in her current role.
Describing regional operators as the “salt of the industry,” she underlined how they often operate in remote locations with challenging weather, infrastructure limitations that require short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities and tight financial margins.
As a board member of the European Regions Airline Association (ERA), she is passionate about representing regional carriers’ interests at a legislative level while ensuring Deutsche Aircraft designs products that meet real operational needs.
“Regional airlines face unique challenges,” she said. “My role is to ensure we understand those realities and help operators succeed – whether that’s through support with financing, operational solutions or a fully integrated OEM partnership.”
Visnakova’s vision for Deutsche Aircraft
With industrialisation advancing, a growing sales pipeline and a renewed focus on the end-to-end customer experience, Deutsche Aircraft is positioning the D328eco as more than just a new regional aircraft.
It represents a broader shift toward turnkey OEM services that encompass the entire lifecycle of an airline’s operation.
“I want to see operators flying this aircraft and being satisfied with it,” Visnakova concluded. “That’s my objective: to build strong, long-term relationships and help regional aviation thrive.”
Featured image: Anastasija Visnakova, CCO Deutsche Aircraft
