Deutsche Aircraft Advances Sustainable Manufacturing with Leipzig Assembly Line

A New Dawn for German Aviation: Deutsche Aircraft’s Leipzig Assembly Line Takes Shape

In a significant move for the European aerospace sector, Deutsche Aircraft has celebrated the “Richtfest,” a traditional German topping-out ceremony, for its new Final Assembly Line (FAL) at Leipzig/Halle Airport. This event, held on November 13, 2025, marks the completion of the building’s shell and signals a major step forward in the production of the D328eco, a next-generation regional turboprop. The project represents the first major regional Commercial-Aircraft production facility to be established in Germany in over two decades, heralding a revival of aircraft manufacturing in the state of Saxony and reinforcing Germany’s commitment to sustainable aviation.

The establishment of this facility is more than just an industrial expansion, it is a strategic initiative backed by both the Saxon state and the German federal governments. The D328eco program is viewed as a critical industrial policy project aimed at advancing climate-friendly aviation technology. With a substantial investment of €100 million, the Leipzig FAL is poised to become a hub of innovation, job creation, and sustainable Manufacturing, breathing new life into a region with a rich history in aircraft construction.

The Leipzig FAL: A Blueprint for Sustainable and Digital Manufacturing

The new Final Assembly Line is a cornerstone of Deutsche Aircraft’s vision for the future of aircraft production. Located strategically at Leipzig/Halle Airports, the facility is designed not only for efficiency but also with a profound commitment to environmental responsibility. Spanning 60,500 square meters, the plant is engineered to be completely carbon-neutral, setting a new standard for the aerospace industry. This ambitious goal is supported by a suite of green technologies, including a large-scale 750 kW rooftop solar power system, efficient heat pumps, green roofs to aid insulation and biodiversity, and a hybrid timber-concrete construction that minimizes its carbon footprint.

Beyond its sustainable design, the facility will be a showcase of Industry 4.0 principles. Production processes will be highly digitized, incorporating automated transport systems, energy-efficient tools, and the use of augmented reality to enhance precision and streamline assembly. This digital-first approach aims to optimize every stage of production, ensuring high quality while minimizing waste and energy consumption. The plant is designed to have a production capacity of up to 48 aircraft per year, a target that reflects the company’s confidence in the market for the D328eco.

The economic impact on the Leipzig region is expected to be substantial. The project is set to create between 250 and 350 highly skilled jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy and strengthening Saxony’s position as a key aerospace hub. This development has been welcomed by regional leaders as a landmark achievement that aligns with Saxony’s industrial growth strategy.

“The Investments by Deutsche Aircraft in Saxony at Leipzig/Halle Airport is a strong signal and a positive development for the economic location. This project represents high technology, innovation, and climate-friendly manufacturing.” – Michael Kretschmer, Prime Minister of Saxony.

The D328eco: Reviving a Legacy for a Greener Future

At the heart of this new facility is the D328eco, an aircraft that builds on a proven legacy to meet modern demands. The D328eco is a modernized and stretched evolution of the Dornier 328, a versatile and reliable turboprop. The new model is a 40-seat regional aircraft designed specifically for efficiency, performance, and Sustainability. It will be powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127XT-S engines, which are fully compatible with 100% SAF, making it a key player in the transition toward greener air travel.

The aircraft’s design focuses on delivering superior performance in the regional market. It boasts a maximum cruise speed of 324 KTAS (600 km/h) and is optimized for short-field performance, allowing it to operate from smaller, less-accessible airports. In terms of efficiency, the D328eco is projected to offer up to 50% better fuel efficiency compared to regional jets in the same seat category, a compelling advantage for airlines navigating volatile fuel costs and increasing environmental regulations. The cockpit will feature the advanced Garmin G5000 avionics suite, ensuring state-of-the-art navigation and control for pilots.

The development timeline has been adjusted to ensure the aircraft meets rigorous certification standards and incorporates further product enhancements. Following the ground-breaking in May 2023 and the recent Richtfest, the completed FAL is expected to be handed over to Deutsche Aircraft by the end of 2025. Production is slated to begin in early 2026, with the first flight of the prototype scheduled for mid-2026 in Oberpfaffenhofen. The company has revised the aircraft’s entry into service to the fourth quarter of 2027, a delay attributed to the comprehensive certification process and the integration of improvements such as enhanced short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities.

Conclusion: Charting a Course for a New Era

The Richtfest ceremony in Leipzig is a tangible symbol of progress for Deutsche Aircraft and the German aviation industry. It represents the convergence of heritage and innovation, where the robust design of the Dornier 328 is being reimagined to create a forward-looking, sustainable aircraft. The project’s strong government backing underscores its national importance, positioning the D328eco as a flagship initiative in the quest for climate-neutral flight.

As the Final Assembly Line moves toward completion, the focus will shift to industrializing production and navigating the final stages of certification. The D328eco is poised to enter a regional aviation market hungry for efficient, sustainable solutions. The success of this project will not only re-establish aircraft manufacturing in Saxony but also solidify Germany’s role as a leader in developing the next generation of aerospace technology, one that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship.

FAQ

Question: What is the “Richtfest” ceremony that Deutsche Aircraft celebrated?
Answer: The “Richtfest” is a traditional German topping-out ceremony held to celebrate the completion of a building’s structural framework or shell. For Deutsche Aircraft, it marked a major construction milestone for their new Final Assembly Line in Leipzig.

Question: What is the D328eco aircraft?
Answer: The D328eco is a 40-seat regional turboprop aircraft. It is a modernized and stretched version of the Dornier 328, designed for high fuel efficiency and full compatibility with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).

Question: When is the D328eco expected to enter service?
Answer: The revised target for the D328eco’s entry into service is the fourth quarter of 2027.

Question: How is the new assembly facility in Leipzig sustainable?
Answer: The facility is designed to be carbon-neutral. It will feature a 750 kW rooftop solar power system, heat pumps, green roofs, and a hybrid timber-concrete construction to minimize its environmental impact.

Sources

• Deutsche Aircraft