Deutsche Aircraft has opened the final assembly line for its D328eco regional turboprop at its facility in Leipzig, Germany. The milestone marks a major step in the industrialization of the aircraft and establishes the production infrastructure required to move toward series manufacturing.
The new final assembly line brings together the aircraft’s major structural sections and systems during the final stages of production. The Leipzig facility is intended to support a standardized and scalable manufacturing process as the D328eco moves toward certification and entry into service.
The D328eco is being developed as a next-generation 70-to-80-seat regional turboprop, targeting regional routes where operating efficiency, connectivity, and lower emissions are important considerations. The aircraft is based on the Dornier 328 platform but incorporates extensive updates to its airframe, systems, propulsion, and cabin.
Composite structures are an important part of the aircraft's lightweight design approach. The D328 family has historically used advanced composite materials in several structural and aerodynamic components, while the D328eco programme incorporates updated manufacturing and structural technologies intended to support the aircraft's performance and production requirements.
The Leipzig site is being developed as a key industrial location for Deutsche Aircraft. Establishing final assembly capability in Germany is expected to provide greater control over production processes, quality, configuration management, and aircraft integration as the programme advances toward production.
The opening also represents a transition from aircraft development toward industrialization. Final assembly requires the integration of structural components, propulsion systems, avionics, electrical systems, interiors, and other aircraft equipment into a completed airframe. Establishing the production line at this stage allows manufacturing processes and workflows to be refined ahead of series production.
Deutsche Aircraft is targeting 2027 for the first flight of the D328eco, with entry into service planned for the end of the decade. The programme is intended to address demand for efficient regional aircraft while supporting the modernization of fleets operating on short- and medium-distance routes.
The Leipzig final assembly line therefore provides a foundation for the next phase of the D328eco programme. As the aircraft moves through testing, certification, and production readiness, the facility will play a central role in translating the aircraft design into a repeatable manufacturing process.
Source: Duetsche Aircraft | News
