Deutsche Aircraft Reports Q4 2025 Milestones: Leipzig FAL Topping-Out and Engine Delivery

Deutsche Aircraft has released its Q4 2025 Quarterly Newsletter, outlining significant industrial and program advancements as the company pivots toward heavy industrialization and testing in 2026. According to the update released on December 17, 2025, the manufacturer has achieved key structural milestones at its Leipzig facility and received the first engines for its D328eco test program.

The newsletter highlights a transition from design phases to physical infrastructure and hardware integration. With the structural shell of the Final Assembly Line (FAL) complete and the supply chain delivering critical components, Deutsche Aircraft is positioning itself for the maiden flight of the D328eco in the coming year.

Industrialization at Leipzig/Halle Airport

A central focus of the Q4 update is the progress at the new Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Leipzig. On November 14, 2025, the company celebrated the “Richtfest”, or topping-out ceremony, marking the completion of the facility’s structural shell. This site is designated as the production hub for the 40-seat D328eco turboprop.

According to Deutsche Aircraft, the building handover is scheduled for the end of 2025, after which the installation of production equipment will commence. The facility represents an investment of approximately €100 million and is designed to support a production rate of up to 48 aircraft per year once fully operational.

Logistics Automation Partnership

To support the ramp-up, Deutsche Aircraft announced a strategic partnership with Jungheinrich to implement an automated logistics center within the FAL. The manufacturer states that this collaboration will introduce advanced storage solutions, including a “PowerCube” system and an automated narrow-aisle warehouse (AutoVNA). These systems are intended to maximize operational efficiency while aligning with the company’s carbon-neutral production goals.

D328eco Program and Engineering Updates

Beyond infrastructure, the newsletter detailed critical hardware arrivals. On November 17, 2025, Deutsche Aircraft took delivery of the first PW127XT-S developmental engines from Pratt & Whitney Canada. These engines are slated for installation on the TAC 1 (Test Aircraft 1), a crucial step toward ground runs and the prototype’s first flight, which is scheduled for 2026.

To bolster its engineering capabilities during the certification phase, the company has also formalized agreements with two major partners:

• Akkodis: Appointed as a Tier-1 supplier to assist with systems development, integration, and certification.
• Expleo: Signed a cooperation agreement to provide supplementary engineering services and reinforce the supply chain.

Global Market Engagement

Throughout the fourth quarter, Deutsche Aircraft intensified its marketing efforts in key regions requiring regional connectivity. On November 5, 2025, the company hosted the “Wings of Opportunity” summit in New Delhi. In collaboration with the Aerospace India Association, Cyient, and Dynamatic Technologies, the manufacturer pitched the D328eco as a solution for India’s UDAN regional connectivity scheme. The aircraft’s performance in hot-and-high conditions was highlighted as a key differentiator for serving Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

Simultaneously, the aircraft was presented at the ATAC Conference & Tradeshow in Canada, targeting operators who provide essential links to remote communities.

AirPro News Analysis

While the Q4 2025 newsletter emphasizes immediate industrial achievements, industry context remains vital for understanding the program’s broader trajectory. In mid-2025, Deutsche Aircraft revised the Entry into Service (EIS) target for the D328eco to Q4 2027, a shift from earlier 2026 projections. This adjustment was attributed to regulatory certification changes and global supply chain pressures.

The arrival of the PW127XT-S engines and the completion of the Leipzig facility shell are necessary prerequisites to meeting this revised timeline. The upcoming year, 2026, will be a stress test for the program as it moves from static completion to dynamic flight testing with the TAC 1 prototype.

Leadership Appointments

The company also announced several key personnel changes aimed at preparing for operational readiness:

• Alexander Tesch has been appointed VP of Customer Support & Service.
• Ernst-Georg Schröder takes the role of Final Assembly Line Manager to oversee the Leipzig ramp-up.
• Florian Luithlen has been promoted to Director of Training, focusing on simulator solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the D328eco expected to enter service?

Current targets place the Entry into Service (EIS) in Q4 2027.

What is the D328eco?

It is a 40-seat regional turboprop based on the legacy Dornier 328, featuring new Pratt & Whitney PW127XT-S engines, a Garmin G5000 Prime flight deck, and a stretched fuselage.

Where will the aircraft be built?

The aircraft will be assembled at a new Final Assembly Line (FAL) at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany.

Sources

• Deutsche Aircraft