Deutsche Aircraft delays entry into service of turboprop D328eco
Deutsche Aircraft has revised its entry into service (EIS) date for its 40-seater regional turboprop, the D328eco until the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2027 due to regulatory changes.
The adjustments to the timeline align with changes that entail the detailed and comprehensive certification process and the associated compliance requirements.
The update comes after detailed internal review and intensive discussions with customers and potential operators, the aviation value chain and key stakeholders.
While the reasons behind this decision are multifaceted, the revised EIS timeline will also enable Deutsche Aircraft to implement additional capabilities and improvements to the brand-new regional turboprop.
Deutsche Aircraft continues to collaborate closely with current and potential operators, as well as suppliers, on the latest developments in the D328eco programme.
Several new features and capabilities are being evaluated, including a further improvement of STOL (Short Take-off and Landing) performance, specifically in non-benign operational environments, combined with advanced avionics capabilities.
These changes will be made in the context of the current certification and programme envelope and will advance the D328eco to even higher standards of market requirement alignment for both commercial and multi-role operators.
While the pressure on the global aviation manufacturing supply chain remains very high, Deutsche Aircraft can be proud of an excellent support from the business partners and stakeholders across the industry.
Overall, these partnerships remain incredibly strong and positive in the aviation value chain, which enables the programme to progress.
Deutsche Aircraft CEO Dave Jackson said: “While we have had to realign the EIS for our D328eco, we are taking this opportunity to investigate further product enhancements and satisfied by the tremendous progress of the programme to date: our certification panels with EASA are advancing successfully, start of construction for our Final Assembly Line in Leipzig has begun and we have secured over 95% of our suppliers, including those providing access to strategic growth markets.
“We will be announcing further milestones during the upcoming Farnborough International Airshow.
“Building on the renowned in-service D328-100, the new D328eco leads the market with innovative elements including a state-of-the-art Garmin avionics suite and PW127XT-S engines which will be fully compatible with SAF-PtL at EIS.
“These advancements make the D328eco an advanced and unique 21st century turboprop, ready for the future of aviation.
“Most importantly, we are pleased to receive continued interest and demand for the D328eco from different segments across the market.
“Our success would not be possible without the dedication of our team, support from our industry partners and the substantial involvement of regional and multi-role operators during product development.”
He added Deutsche Aircraft will revolutionise regional air travel with the D328eco through its advanced features and capabilities, including a spacious and comfortable cabin, cutting-edge avionics, superior fuel efficiency and unbeatable operational capabilities.
