Deutsche Aircraft Expands with Berlin Office to Drive Sustainable Aviation

Deutsche Aircraft’s Strategic Expansion: Berlin Office Opening and the Future of German Aviation

The opening of Deutsche Aircraft’s Berlin office on July 8, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Germany’s aviation sector. Strategically located at the Römischer Hof on Unter den Linden, the new office is not just a symbolic move into the heart of German policymaking, it’s a calculated step toward embedding the company within the national and European discourse on sustainable aviation, industrial resilience, and technological sovereignty.

As a modern German aircraft OEM with full system capabilities, Deutsche Aircraft aims to influence the shaping of aviation strategy in the Federal Republic. According to CEO Nico Neumann, the Berlin office will serve as a central hub for strategic partnerships, political collaboration, and dialogue, particularly around the dual-use capabilities of its aircraft, such as the D328MR, and broader climate and defense imperatives. This move comes at a time when the aviation industry is under increasing pressure to decarbonize and localize supply chains, aligning with both EU and German national objectives.

The significance of this expansion is further underscored by the recent rollout of the TAC 1, the first D328eco test aircraft, in May 2025. Together with its R&D center in Oberpfaffenhofen and its production facilities in Leipzig, Deutsche Aircraft now operates across a triad of locations that integrate technological innovation, industrial production, and political engagement.

Historical Foundations and Corporate Evolution

Deutsche Aircraft’s roots stretch back to the Dornier 328 program, a regional turboprop aircraft first introduced in the early 1990s. Known for its low cabin noise and robust performance, the original Dornier 328 saw over 200 units produced before corporate restructuring led to its acquisition by Fairchild Dornier in 1996. Following Fairchild Dornier’s bankruptcy in 2002, the type certificate was taken over by 328 Support Services GmbH (328SSG), which later rebranded as Deutsche Regional Aircraft GmbH in 2011.

The current iteration of Deutsche Aircraft emerged in 2020 under the ownership of Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC). Headquartered in Oberpfaffenhofen, Bavaria, the company set out to re-establish Germany as a player in the global aircraft manufacturing market. Leveraging the Dornier legacy, Deutsche Aircraft has positioned itself as a purpose-driven OEM focused on sustainable regional aviation.

Chief Engineer Thomas Ahn has described the D328eco as an “advanced evolution” of the original design, not a completely new aircraft. This approach allows the company to retain proven airframe advantages while integrating modern systems, propulsion technologies, and digital avionics. It’s a strategy that balances legacy strengths with forward-looking innovation.

Strategic Objectives of the Berlin Initiative

The Berlin office aims to act as a bridge between Deutsche Aircraft and the federal government, aligning the company’s goals with national interests in sustainability, economic sovereignty, and security. CEO Nico Neumann emphasized that the company’s work extends beyond civil aviation, pointing to the D328MR variant’s potential for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) as well as medical transport missions.

Designed for multi-role applications, the D328MR is equipped to handle operations in challenging environments. It supports unpaved runway operations, rapid cabin reconfiguration, and extended mission endurance, making it suitable for border patrol, environmental monitoring, and disaster response. This versatility aligns with Germany’s defense and civil protection strategies.

From a policy perspective, the Berlin office facilitates closer collaboration on initiatives such as the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), for which the D328eco is fully compatible. The office also supports Germany’s “Industrial Strategy 2030,” which aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities. With Leipzig as the site for final assembly, the company expects to create hundreds of jobs and produce up to 48 aircraft annually, contributing to regional economic development and national industrial resilience.

“With the opening of our new office in the political centre of Germany, we intend to have a more active role in shaping the Federal Republic’s aviation strategy.”, Nico Neumann, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft

Technical Advancements and Certification Milestones

The D328eco is designed to be the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its class, offering a 40-seat configuration with a cruise speed of 324 knots and a service ceiling of 30,000 feet. Its propulsion system, powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW127XT-S engines, delivers a 14% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to legacy turboprops and significantly lowers operating costs.

Incorporating advanced composite materials and digital systems, the D328eco also features a digital cockpit optimized for single-pilot operation. Components such as the empennage are supplied by Aernnova, reflecting Deutsche Aircraft’s commitment to European industrial partnerships. The aircraft is SAF-ready, having successfully completed ground tests with 100% SAF blends, a critical step toward certification and compliance with future emissions regulations.

The rollout of TAC 1, the first test aircraft, in May 2025 marks the beginning of a multi-year certification campaign. The Leipzig final assembly line, currently under construction, is expected to be CO₂-neutral and operational by late 2025. These developments position Deutsche Aircraft to meet the EU’s Clean Aviation goals, which include a 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions for regional aircraft through hybrid-electric technologies and SAF integration.

Industry Context and Competitive Positioning

Deutsche Aircraft enters a regional aviation market dominated by established players like ATR and De Havilland Canada. However, the D328eco differentiates itself through superior economics, environmental performance, and operational flexibility. Its ability to operate at lower breakeven load factors and reduced maintenance costs makes it ideal for thin routes and underserved regions.

Moreover, the D328MR variant opens doors to the special-mission aircraft segment, estimated to be worth billions globally. Through partnerships with companies like AERODATA AG, Deutsche Aircraft is developing ISR platforms tailored to European defense and civil protection needs. These capabilities align with NATO and EU security frameworks, adding strategic depth to the company’s portfolio.

Participation in EU initiatives like Clean Sky 2 and Germany’s INSAT program further strengthens Deutsche Aircraft’s position. These programs support the development of hybrid-electric and hydrogen-compatible technologies, which could be integrated into future variants of the D328 family. Industrial localization, 85% of suppliers are European, also enhances supply chain resilience, a growing concern in the current geopolitical climate.

Conclusion

The opening of Deutsche Aircraft’s Berlin office is more than a real estate event, it’s a strategic maneuver that consolidates the company’s role in shaping the future of German and European aviation. By embedding itself in the political heart of Germany, the company gains direct access to decision-makers, enabling it to advocate for sustainable aviation policies, secure industrial subsidies, and align with national defense priorities.

Looking ahead, Deutsche Aircraft’s integrated approach, combining R&D in Oberpfaffenhofen, production in Leipzig, and policy engagement in Berlin, positions it as a key player in the transition to sustainable, sovereign aviation. While challenges remain in certification and market competition, the company’s alignment with EU policy, technological innovation, and domestic industrial strategy offers a robust foundation for long-term success.

FAQ

What is the purpose of Deutsche Aircraft’s new Berlin office?
The Berlin office serves as a central hub for political cooperation, strategic partnerships, and dialogue on sustainable aviation, industrial policy, and defense applications.

What is the D328eco?
The D328eco is a 40-seat regional turboprop aircraft designed for fuel efficiency, SAF compatibility, and operational flexibility. It’s an upgraded version of the Dornier 328, incorporating modern technologies and materials.

When will the D328eco enter service?
The D328eco is currently undergoing certification testing, with entry into service targeted for late 2027.

What are the main production and R&D sites for Deutsche Aircraft?
R&D is conducted at Oberpfaffenhofen, Bavaria, while final assembly takes place in Leipzig. The new Berlin office focuses on political and strategic engagement.

What makes the D328MR variant unique?
The D328MR is a multi-role aircraft designed for ISR missions, medical transport, and environmental monitoring. It features quick reconfiguration and rugged operational capabilities.

Sources:
Deutsche Aircraft,
Deutsche Aircraft D328MR,
Clean Aviation,
Research Nester,
CAPA – Centre for Aviation