Deutsche Aircraft has reached a pivotal milestone in the development of its next-generation regional aircraft by unveiling the first D328eco test aircraft (TAC 1) at its headquarters in the Airtech Campus in Oberpfaffenhofen. This marks a major step forward in the transformation of regional aviation towards greater sustainability, efficiency, and climate-conscious performance. 

The rollout follows the initial fuselage cut announced at the Farnborough International Airshow held in July 2024. It signals the program’s steady transition from digital development to physical realization, maintaining alignment with its projected entry into service in Q4 2027. 

Proven Legacy, Future-Focused Evolution 

Building on the trusted Dornier 328 platform, the D328eco is an evolved aircraft engineered for the demands of 21st-century regional operations. By combining a proven airframe with modern propulsion systems, advanced aerodynamics, and a composites-intensive structure that supports lighter weight and improved efficiency, the aircraft offers: 
 

 
“This milestone represents our transition from conceptual design to practical testing and industrialization,” said Nico Neumann, Co-CEO of Deutsche Aircraft. “With the D328eco, we are delivering a future-ready aircraft rooted in Dornier DNA—elevated for environmental performance and operator value.” 

Olaf Lawrenz, COO, added: “The rollout reflects our engineering team’s dedication and underscores our ability to blend proven reliability with forward-leaning innovation.” 

While emphasizing the significance of the rollout for the entire industry, Marie-Christine von Hahn, CEO of the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI), said: “Innovations in the air improve life on the ground. Deutsche Aircraft sends a clear message for the future: German aviation is a global innovation leader.” 

From Rollout to Certification: A Structured Path Forward 

With the test aircraft now complete, Deutsche Aircraft will commence its flight test campaign, progressing toward type certification in collaboration with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and other international regulatory bodies. Supported by a global supply chain and strategic partnerships, the program is designed for high-rate manufacturability and long-term serviceability. 

A Sustainable Step Change for Regional Flight 

The D328eco is not just a technological update but also a systemic shift in how regional air travel can meet the future demands of the environment, economy, and society as a whole. Through the integration of next-generation avionics, digitized manufacturing, composites-intensive structure, and sustainability targets, the aircraft is designed to lower total lifecycle emissions while enabling more accessible regional mobility. 

As part of a broader climate and industrial strategy, Deutsche Aircraft’s D328eco aims to reshape how regional aviation contributes to net-zero targets—delivering tangible impact through high-performance, lower-emission operations. 

Strong Stakeholder Engagement 

The launch event indicated the substantial interest in Deutsche Aircraft's pioneering strategy in sustainable aviation due to the presence of over 500 attendees, comprising the Bavarian and Federal?Government representatives,?international?media, industry?partners, and suppliers.