MRO & Manufacturing
Akaer and Deutsche Aircraft Launch D328eco Forward Fuselage Assembly Line
Akaer and Deutsche Aircraft inaugurate the D328eco fuselage assembly line, advancing sustainable regional turboprop manufacturing in Brazil.
The recent inauguration of the D328eco Forward Fuselage Assembly Line by Akaer and Deutsche Aircraft on August 12, 2025, marks a pivotal development in regional aviation manufacturing. This partnership between Brazil’s Akaer and Germany’s Deutsche Aircraft transitions the D328eco program from development into industrialization, reinforcing a broader trend of globalized aircraft production and deepening Brazil-Germany collaboration in aerospace technology. The event, attended by top Brazilian officials, underscores its importance not only for the companies but also for the regional aviation sector, as the D328eco targets market readiness in Q4 2027.
This milestone goes beyond manufacturing achievement, embodying a comprehensive approach to sustainable aviation. It leverages Brazil’s established aerospace manufacturing expertise while advancing Germany’s push for next-generation turboprop technology. The forward fuselage assembly line at Akaer’s São José dos Campos facility will handle industrialization, tooling, prototype manufacturing, and engineering studies, positioning the partnership as a cornerstone for the D328eco’s commercial aspirations.
The significance of this development lies not just in its technical or industrial aspects, but in its potential to reshape regional aviation. By combining proven aircraft heritage with modern sustainability and efficiency standards, Akaer and Deutsche Aircraft aim to address pressing market needs for cost-effective, environmentally responsible, and flexible regional air transport solutions.
The D328eco program is an evolutionary step in regional aviation, building on the legacy of the Dornier 328 Commercial-Aircraft, which first entered service in the early 1990s. Deutsche Aircraft, the German OEMs, has positioned the D328eco as an advanced update rather than a clean-sheet design, leveraging the Dornier 328’s operational heritage while incorporating enhancements in performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction. This pragmatic strategy addresses the challenges of certifying new turboprop aircraft in a competitive and highly regulated market.
The original Dornier 328, certified in over 80 countries with around 150 aircraft still in service, provided Deutsche Aircraft with a strong foundation and regulatory familiarity. The D328eco program, announced in 2020, targets the regional air travel market with a 40-seat turboprop that can operate on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It offers a 25% increase in passenger capacity over its predecessor and a 14% reduction in fuel consumption per passenger, directly addressing market demands for economical and sustainable regional aviation.
Key program milestones include completion of wind tunnel testing in October 2023 and the start of test aircraft construction in July 2024. The program’s timeline was adjusted in July 2024, with entry into service now planned for Q4 2027, a two-year delay attributed to evolving certification requirements and the opportunity to implement product enhancements such as improved STOL performance and advanced Avionics. This reflects the increasingly complex regulatory environment for new aircraft certification and the need for robust compliance and documentation.
The August 12, 2025 inauguration at Akaer’s São José dos Campos facility transitioned the D328eco from concept to industrial reality. Akaer was selected in March 2024 to manufacture the forward fuselage, including industrialization, tooling, prototype manufacturing, and engineering studies. The event was attended by high-level Brazilian officials, reflecting the government’s recognition of aerospace as a strategic sector and the program’s potential contribution to Brazil’s role as a global aerospace hub.
Cesar Silva, Akaer CEO, highlighted the pride and strategic importance of the project, noting its role in connecting smaller cities and strengthening Akaer’s position as a Tier 1 supplier. Deutsche Aircraft’s CEO, Nico Neumann, echoed this, emphasizing the technical and strategic fit of Akaer as a partner and the milestone the assembly line represents for the D328eco program’s industrialization. The forward fuselage assembly line is a technically complex endeavor, encompassing the full industrialization process, specialized tooling development, and prototype manufacturing. Located in Brazil’s aerospace capital, São José dos Campos, the facility benefits from a concentration of skilled workforce, supporting infrastructure, and proximity to other major aerospace players, ensuring access to resources essential for advanced manufacturing.
“The D328eco will pave the way for more sustainable and efficient regional flights that connect smaller cities in Brazil and around the world. For Akaer, being part of this significant project and playing a key role in producing the forward fuselage is a source of great pride.”, Cesar Silva, CEO of Akaer
The Akaer-Deutsche Aircraft partnership exemplifies global aerospace manufacturing, where OEMs rely on specialized suppliers to optimize production and manage risk. Akaer, with over 30 years of experience and certifications including ISO 9001:2015 and AS 9100 rev. D, was selected for its technical capabilities, manufacturing capacity, and strategic alignment. The selection process prioritized expertise, customer focus, and long-term partnership potential.
Akaer’s role covers the entire development and production cycle for the forward fuselage, from industrialization and tooling to prototype manufacturing and ongoing support. This reflects a shift in the aerospace industry toward supplier integration, with partners taking on significant responsibility for design, development, and Manufacturing. Akaer’s application of simultaneous engineering, DFM, and DFA principles ensures manufacturing efficiency and quality from the earliest design stages.
The company’s status as a Strategic Defense Company and authorization for handling classified information underscore its capacity to manage sensitive projects, including multi-role configurations for the D328eco. These capabilities position Akaer as a key player in the global aerospace supply chain, supporting both commercial and specialized aircraft programs.
The D328eco is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127XT-S engines, fully compatible with 100% SAF and H2-SAF, supporting the aircraft’s sustainability goals. The engines deliver 2,475 shaft horsepower, enabling a maximum cruise speed of 324 knots (600 km/h) and a service ceiling of 30,000 feet. The aircraft’s take-off and landing performance allows operations at smaller Airports, enhancing regional connectivity.
With an operating empty weight of 10,150 kg and a maximum payload of 4,200 kg, the D328eco can carry 40 passengers in standard configuration. Fuel consumption at cruise is 480 kg/hour, with competitive block fuel figures for typical regional routes. Deutsche Aircraft claims the D328eco offers the lowest trip cost in its class and up to 50% better fuel efficiency than similar-sized regional jets, with significant reductions in direct maintenance costs.
The aircraft’s flexible design supports multiple roles, including passenger, cargo, and special missions. Its advanced avionics, improved STOL performance, and compatibility with emerging regulatory standards position it as a versatile solution for operators facing aging fleets and tightening environmental requirements.
“The launch of another fuselage production line at Akaer represents a key milestone in the industrialisation of the D328eco programme. Akaer’s expertise and ambition to grow into a globally recognised Tier 1 supplier make them an ideal partner.”, Nico Neumann, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft
The D328eco enters a regional turboprop market valued at an estimated $2.5 billion in 2025, with projected growth to $3.8 billion by 2033. Demand is driven by the need to replace aging fleets, enhance fuel efficiency, and meet sustainability goals. Turboprops remain attractive for short-haul and regional operations, especially in markets with limited passenger demand or infrastructure. Major competitors include ATR, Cessna, and others, with ATR maintaining a dominant position and advancing its own SAF initiatives. The D328eco’s competitive edge lies in its operational efficiency, environmental compatibility, and multi-role flexibility. However, it faces challenges from established players, evolving regulatory requirements, and emerging technologies like hybrid and electric propulsion.
Geographically, North America and Europe dominate demand, but Asia-Pacific, particularly China and India, shows strong growth potential. Brazil’s domestic market, with significant investment in regional connectivity and the world’s second-largest general aviation fleet, offers substantial opportunities for the D328eco, especially as the government continues to support aviation expansion.
Deutsche Aircraft’s supply chain strategy distributes major structural responsibilities: Akaer produces the forward fuselage in Brazil, while other partners like Dynamatic Technologies in India handle the rear fuselage. This approach leverages local expertise, cost advantages, and market access, while also providing resilience against regional disruptions.
Advanced digital manufacturing at Deutsche Aircraft’s Leipzig/Halle Airport final assembly line incorporates automation, paperless processes, and technologies like 3D modeling and augmented reality. This “Factory 4.0” facility, with capacity for up to 48 aircraft annually, represents a significant investment in efficient, high-quality production.
Sustainability is integral to the supply chain, with the Leipzig facility designed for CO2 neutrality and renewable energy use. Supply chain resilience and early supplier engagement are prioritized, reflecting lessons learned from recent global disruptions and the need for robust, adaptive manufacturing systems.
Brazil’s aerospace sector is the third largest globally, underpinned by decades of strategic development, government support, and strong academic-industry partnerships. São José dos Campos, home to Akaer and Embraer, is a center of aerospace excellence, offering skilled workforce, infrastructure, and a comprehensive supply base.
The Akaer-Deutsche Aircraft partnership leverages this ecosystem, providing both manufacturing capability and access to a growing domestic market. Brazil’s focus on technological independence, innovation, and international collaboration creates an environment conducive to advanced aerospace projects and global partnerships.
Government initiatives continue to support industry growth, with policies and investments aimed at maintaining Brazil’s competitive position and fostering integration into global supply chains. This foundation supports not only the D328eco program but also future opportunities in emerging aviation technologies. “Brazil’s aerospace sector is an example of successful government-academic-private sector partnership, balancing technological independence with openness to international collaboration.”, Industry analysis
The inauguration of the D328eco Forward Fuselage Assembly Line is a milestone in regional aviation, showcasing the value of strategic, cross-border partnerships and modern manufacturing practices. Akaer and Deutsche Aircraft’s collaboration harnesses Brazil’s aerospace expertise and Germany’s commitment to sustainable technology, setting a template for future aircraft development programs.
As the D328eco moves toward its targeted entry into service in 2027, its success will depend on continued progress in certification, manufacturing ramp-up, and market acceptance. The partnership’s integrated approach, combining proven heritage, advanced sustainability, flexible manufacturing, and robust supply chain management, positions it to address the evolving needs of regional aviation and to influence the direction of future industry collaborations.
What is the D328eco? Who is responsible for the forward fuselage assembly? When is the D328eco expected to enter service? What are the key technical features of the D328eco? How does the D328eco address sustainability? Sources: Deutsche Aircraft Press Release
Akaer and Deutsche Aircraft Inaugurate D328eco Forward Fuselage Assembly Line: A Strategic Partnership Reshaping Regional Aviation Manufacturing
Background and Historical Context of the D328eco Program
The Inauguration Event and Its Industrial Significance
Strategic Partnership, Manufacturing Capabilities, and Technical Specifications
Modern Aerospace Manufacturing Strategy
D328eco Technical Specifications and Market Positioning
Global Industry Context, Supply Chain, and Brazilian Integration
Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape
Supply Chain Strategy and Manufacturing Resilience
Brazilian Aerospace Industry Integration
Conclusion
FAQ
The D328eco is a 40-seat regional turboprop aircraft developed by Deutsche Aircraft, based on the Dornier 328 platform, designed for improved fuel efficiency, sustainability, and operational flexibility.
Akaer, a Brazilian aerospace company, leads the production of the D328eco’s forward fuselage, handling industrialization, tooling, prototype manufacturing, and engineering studies.
The current target for entry into service is Q4 2027, following a revised program timeline to accommodate enhanced certification and product improvements.
The aircraft features Pratt & Whitney PW127XT-S engines, compatibility with 100% sustainable aviation fuel, advanced avionics, improved STOL performance, and a maximum cruise speed of 324 knots.
The D328eco is designed for full compatibility with sustainable aviation fuels, incorporates efficient engines, and is manufactured in facilities with CO2-neutral and renewable energy practices.
Photo Credit: Deutsche Aircraft
MRO & Manufacturing
Bombardier Acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions to Expand US Service Network
Bombardier acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions, adding a Delaware facility and mobile repair units to enhance its U.S. aftermarket services.
On February 9, 2026, Bombardier announced the acquisition of Velocity Maintenance Solutions, a specialized provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services based in Wilmington, Delaware. The transaction, executed through Bombardier’s U.S. subsidiary Learjet Inc., represents a strategic expansion of the manufacturer’s aftermarket footprint in the high-traffic Northeast corridor.
The acquisition provides Bombardier with immediate access to a 35,000-square-foot facility at New Castle Airport (ILG) and a fleet of mobile repair units designed for rapid response. While financial terms of the deal remain confidential, the move aligns with the company’s stated objective to grow its services revenue and secure a stronger domestic presence in the United States.
According to the company’s official statement, the acquisition is designed to bolster support for Bombardier’s growing fleet of business jets, including the ultra-long-range Global 8000. By integrating Velocity Maintenance Solutions, Bombardier aims to capture more of the lifecycle maintenance market, a sector that offers stable margins compared to the cyclical nature of aircraft sales.
The deal includes significant physical and operational assets that will be integrated into Bombardier’s service network:
Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President of Bombardier Aftermarket Services, highlighted the cultural fit between the two organizations in the press release.
“Velocity Maintenance Solutions’ capabilities and customer-focused culture make it an excellent fit for Bombardier… This acquisition is part of our commitment to continually elevate our service standards.”
Velocity Maintenance Solutions has established itself as an agile player in the MRO space since its emergence around 2021. As an FAA Part 145 Repair Station, the company is authorized to perform scheduled maintenance, structural repairs, and avionics upgrades.
Prior to the acquisition, Velocity serviced a diverse range of aircraft, including models from Embraer, Dassault Falcon, Gulfstream, and Textron, in addition to Bombardier jets. The facility is known for its 24/7 emergency support capabilities, a critical service for business jet operators requiring immediate dispatch reliability.
This acquisition arrives during a complex period for the aerospace industry, characterized by both consolidation and geopolitical friction. By executing the purchase through Learjet Inc., a heritage U.S. brand based in Wichita, Kansas, Bombardier reinforces its status as a significant U.S. employer. This distinction is increasingly vital as the company navigates trade tensions, including recent tariff threats from the U.S. administration regarding Canadian aerospace products.
Expanding physical infrastructure within the United States serves a dual purpose: it insulates the company’s service supply chain from potential cross-border friction and strengthens its eligibility for U.S. defense contracts. Furthermore, in an industry facing a chronic shortage of skilled labor, acquiring a “turnkey” operation with a certified workforce allows Bombardier to bypass the long lead times associated with recruiting and training new technicians. The location in Wilmington also places Bombardier in direct competition with other major service providers at New Castle Airport, including a Dassault Falcon service center, signaling an aggressive push to dominate the Northeast service market.
The acquisition was made by Learjet Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of Bombardier.
The existing team of technicians and support staff at Velocity Maintenance Solutions will be retained and integrated into Bombardier’s workforce.
While the press release emphasizes support for Bombardier’s fleet, Velocity has historically serviced various manufacturers. OEMs often honor existing third-party contracts during transition periods, though the long-term focus typically shifts to the parent company’s products.
Bombardier Acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions to Densify U.S. Service Network
Expanding the Aftermarket Ecosystem
Target Profile: Velocity Maintenance Solutions
AirPro News Analysis: Strategic and Political Context
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the acquiring entity?
What happens to the current workforce?
Will Velocity continue to service non-Bombardier aircraft?
Sources
Photo Credit: Velocity Maintenance Solutions
MRO & Manufacturing
Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026
Satair and Joramco renew their 25-year supply agreement at MRO Middle East 2026, supporting Joramco’s maintenance operations and new contracts.
This article is based on an official press release from Satair and additional industry reporting regarding MRO Middle East 2026.
At the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, Satair, an Airbus Services company, and Joramco (Jordan Aircraft Maintenance Limited) officially announced the renewal of their long-standing Consumables and Expendables Supply Agreement. The deal marks the continuation of a strategic partnership that has spanned more than a quarter of a century, reinforcing the critical role of integrated supply chains in the growing Middle Eastern aviation maintenance sector.
According to the announcement, the renewed agreement is designed to secure a consistent flow of essential spare parts for Joramco’s base maintenance operations in Amman, Jordan. By locking in this supply chain solution, Joramco aims to minimize “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) risks and reduce the complexity of material management for its expanding customer base.
The partnership between Satair and Joramco is one of the most enduring in the region. For over 25 years, Satair has served as a primary provider of consumables and expendables, high-volume, low-cost parts essential for routine maintenance, to the Jordan-based MRO provider.
In the official release, the companies highlighted the operational benefits of the extension. The agreement allows Joramco to leverage Satair’s global distribution network, ensuring that parts are available precisely when needed. This “just-in-time” capability is vital for MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul providers) striving to offer competitive turnaround times to airlines.
A primary focus of the renewal is the mitigation of supply chain disruptions. By outsourcing the management of consumables to Satair, Joramco can focus its internal resources on heavy maintenance and engineering tasks rather than logistics. The agreement reportedly covers a comprehensive range of Airbus and Boeing fleet requirements, aligning with Joramco’s diverse capabilities.
“This continued partnership with Satair ensures we have the right parts at the right time, allowing us to deliver superior turnaround times to our global customers.”
, Statement attributed to Joramco leadership regarding the renewal
The renewal comes amidst a flurry of activity at MRO Middle East 2026, where both companies have announced significant independent expansions. The event, held on February 4–5, 2026, has served as a platform for major industry shifts in the region. According to industry reporting from the event, Joramco has also secured a major five-year heavy maintenance agreement with the German leisure carrier Condor. This deal will see Joramco performing base maintenance on Condor’s entire Airbus fleet, including the A320ceo, A320neo, and A330neo. Additionally, Joramco celebrated the first graduates of its Structured On-the-Job Training (SOJT) program, a move aimed at addressing the global shortage of skilled aviation technicians.
Simultaneously, Satair has expanded its footprint in the sustainability sector. Reports from the event indicate Satair signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GAMECO (Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co.) to enter the Used Serviceable Material (USM) market, addressing the rising demand for cost-effective and sustainable parts solutions.
The renewal of the Satair-Joramco agreement highlights a critical trend in the post-2025 aviation landscape: the prioritization of supply chain resilience. In an era where global parts shortages have frequently grounded fleets, MRO providers are increasingly moving toward long-term, integrated agreements with major distributors rather than relying on spot-market purchasing.
Furthermore, the Middle East’s trajectory as a global MRO hub is evident in these announcements. Joramco’s ability to secure European contracts like the Condor deal, backed by a robust supply chain from Satair, suggests that regional players are successfully competing on a global scale by combining geographic advantages with high-grade logistical reliability.
Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Supply Chain Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026
Strengthening a Quarter-Century Alliance
Operational Efficiency and AOG Reduction
Broader Context: MRO Middle East 2026 Developments
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Satair
MRO & Manufacturing
Joramco Renews Maintenance Agreement with mas Cargo Airline for 2026
Joramco extends its maintenance contract with Mexican cargo airline mas for heavy checks on Airbus A330 freighters throughout 2026 at its Amman facility.
This article is based on an official press release from Joramco.
Joramco, the Amman-based aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility and engineering arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), has officially announced the renewal of its maintenance agreement with mas (formerly MasAir), a prominent Mexican cargo airline. The agreement was finalized and signed during the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, marking a continuation of the strategic partnership between the two entities.
Under the terms of the renewed contract, Joramco will perform heavy base maintenance checks on the mas fleet of Airbus A330 freighters. The work is scheduled to take place throughout 2026 at Joramco’s facility at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan. This announcement underscores the MRO provider’s increasing traction in the global cargo sector and its ability to secure recurring business from international carriers outside its traditional regional stronghold.
According to the company’s announcement, the new deal focuses specifically on heavy base maintenance, often referred to as C-checks, for the carrier’s Airbus A330 fleet. These checks are critical for ensuring the continued airworthiness and operational reliability of the freighter aircraft, which are essential to mas’s global logistics network.
This renewal follows a successful initial collaboration established relatively recently. Joramco and mas first formalized their partnerships in October 2025 at the MRO Europe exhibition in London. That initial agreement covered maintenance checks that began in December 2025. The rapid renewal, signed just four months later, suggests a successful execution of the initial checks and a deepening of the business relationship.
In a statement regarding the renewal, Joramco’s leadership highlighted the significance of the repeat business.
“We are pleased to welcome more aircraft from mas at Joramco. This agreement reaffirms Joramco’s position as a trusted Global MRO provider of choice.”
, Adam Voss, CEO of Joramco
The agreement with mas aligns with Joramco’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint. By securing a renewal with a Latin American carrier, the Jordan-based MRO is demonstrating its competitiveness on a global scale, attracting airframes from the Americas to the Middle-East for heavy maintenance. The timing of this renewal is notable within the wider context of the MRO industry’s capacity constraints. In late 2025, Joramco inaugurated “Hangar 7,” a significant infrastructure expansion that reportedly increased its capacity to 22 parallel maintenance lines. This expansion appears to be paying dividends, allowing the facility to accommodate the “more aircraft” referenced by CEO Adam Voss.
Furthermore, the cargo market remains a demanding sector requiring high asset utilization. For a specialized Cargo-Aircraft airline like mas, which operates a modernizing fleet of Airbus A330 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) aircraft, securing reliable MRO slots is a strategic priority. The quick transition from an initial contract in late 2025 to a full-year renewal for 2026 indicates that Joramco has successfully met the technical and turnaround time requirements demanded by the cargo carrier.
Joramco: A subsidiary of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), Joramco has operated for over 60 years. Based in Amman, Jordan, it provides airframe maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer aircraft.
mas: Headquartered in Mexico City, mas (formerly MasAir) is a specialized cargo airline operating scheduled and charter freight services across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The airline has been actively expanding its capacity with Airbus A330 freighters to support its international network.
Sources:
Joramco Extends Maintenance Partnership with mas Cargo Airline for 2026
Scope of the Renewed Agreement
Strategic Context and Capacity Expansion
AirPro News Analysis
About the Companies
Photo Credit: Joramco
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