Deutsche Aircraft CEO on D328eco’s aims to revolutionize regional turboprops

Although the aerospace industry often focuses on big names such as Boeing and Airbus, quieter developments are happening in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany, home to aircraft manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft. 

The company is gaining media attention with its D328eco aircraft, a new-generation turboprop designed for fuel efficiency and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) capability. Beyond sustainability, the aircraft targets a strategic niche, namely replacing aging regional turboprop fleets and addressing connectivity gaps between smaller cities and major hubs.

According to Eurostat data extracted in June 2025, intra-EU and domestic transport shares in 2024 were 36.3% and 14.3%, respectively. This underscores the ongoing demand for regional turboprop connectivity – a market that Deutsche Aircraft intends to tap with the D328eco and its future models. 

At the Paris Air Show 2025, AeroTime sat down with Deutsche Aircraft CEO Nico Neumann to discuss the German manufacturer’s plans to make an impact on the regional aviation market.

What sets D328eco apart

Neumann explained that the D328eco turboprop builds upon the original Dornier 328 design, incorporating significant upgrades. The fuselage has been extended by 2.1 meters to accommodate 40 passengers, up from 33 in the original model. It is powered by a new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127XT engine and features the latest Garmin G5000 avionics suite. Neumann noted that these modifications make the aircraft “unique”.

The decision to develop the D328eco with 40-seat capacity was chosen based on market research targeting the replacement of aging 30- to 36-seat aircraft, aligning with current demand.

“No one wants to downsize when replacing an aircraft, but we also looked at how we don’t get too big that we are in competition,” Neumann said. “To serve that market, using 40 seats was the ideal solution.”

Neumann noted that some markets are more suitable for the aircraft. He said that while he wouldn’t limit its use to any specific area, the D328eco is especially well-suited for places with underdeveloped infrastructure, such as northern Canada, Australia, and some parts of Africa.

“We have a global team and 46 nationalities on board. We have a global supply chain, and we like to deliver a global product, so we are not limited to any market,” he said.

Three market pillars behind D328eco

Neumann pointed out that, to his knowledge, there is currently no other turboprop program being developed specifically for the regional turboprop market targeting 40-seat aircraft, making this market niche unique at present.

He categorized the industry into three main pillars. The first pillar is the replacement market. Neumann noted that many older aircraft in this category, such as the Saab 340 and Dornier 328, are now over 30 years old and are in need of replacement. 

He highlighted that the D328eco distinguishes itself from these older models by being more cost-efficient, offering better fuel efficiency, providing greater passenger comfort, and ensuring higher operational flexibility.

The second pillar focuses on the growth market, with India being a key example. With ongoing airport expansions in India, there is a demand for aircraft that can connect smaller airports to major hubs. Neumann suggested that the D328eco’s size and capabilities make it a “perfect fit” for this purpose.

The third pillar is influenced by current geopolitical demands and involves multi-mission applications, such as search and rescue, border control, troop transport, and paratrooper deployment. The company is actively developing solutions to meet the needs of this segment as well.

How practical is SAF in turboprop aviation?

According to Neumann, once the D328eco receives certification, it will be allowed to run on anything from 100% standard kerosene to 100% SAF. This indicates that various fuel mixtures are feasible – for instance, the aircraft could be operated with 50% or 70% SAF.

However, sustainability wasn’t the sole factor for the German turboprop manufacturer in selecting the D328eco for development. Neumann explained that the aircraft is primarily designed to be economical, consuming less fuel, which is cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

“The first target of our engineers is always to reduce the fuel flow, to get it as efficient as possible, and then combine it with new technologies which are available on the fuel side,” he said.

Neumann also pointed out that the necessary infrastructure and industrial capacity to generate sufficient SAF have not yet been established. However, the company is considering future fuel options that will be significant in the next 50 years.

“I believe that, as an industry, we view SAF as the most promising solution based on power-to-liquid processes without aromatics, which will have the greatest positive impact on the climate while balancing cost efficiency with practicality,” he said.

Countdown to certification and airline entry

In discussing the major milestones leading up to the D328eco’s readiness for airline operations, Neumann highlighted several parallel steps in the process.

On May 28, 2025, Deutsche Aircraft unveiled the test prototype of the D328eco, known as ‘TAC1’. Neumann stated that preparations for ground testing are currently underway as the company prepares to launch its flight test campaign, scheduled for 2026.

A second test aircraft is expected to join the program that year, and Neumann mentioned that a third aircraft may also be included. He noted that the third aircraft will be produced on the final assembly line by the end of 2025.

Starting in 2026, the company aims to begin production of the first aircraft from that line, which will serve as the third test aircraft. This aircraft will participate in the flight test campaign, with the objective of achieving certification in 2027 and entering service by the end of that year, at which point airlines will start receiving it.

Laying the groundwork for future aircraft

Neumann mentioned that many customers and operators engaged with Deutsche Aircraft at the Paris Air Show. He added that the manufacturer “received very good feedback” and its order book is “filling up quite positively”.

In concluding the interview, he emphasized that the company does not intend to become a single-product Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

“As a normal business, we look at the future. We are building up a lot of skills and competences, and it would be a shame to lose them after one product,” he said. “I have a small team working on the concept of our next aircraft.”

The post Deutsche Aircraft CEO on D328eco’s aims to revolutionize regional turboprops appeared first on AeroTime.

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