Deutsche Aircraft unveils first D328eco test plane

Deutsche Aircraft has revealed its first D328eco test aircraft, TAC 1, at its headquarters on the Airtech Campus in Oberpfaffenhofen. This milestone marks a major step forward in the development of sustainable regional aviation and underscores the company’s commitment to innovation, decarbonisation and connectivity.

The unveiling follows the announcement of the initial fuselage cut at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024. Since then, the D328eco programme has made consistent progress, moving steadily toward its goal of delivering a more efficient and environmentally responsible aircraft for regional travel.

The D328eco is a modern evolution of the well-regarded Dornier 328, rather than a clean-sheet design. By building on the original aircraft’s proven platform, the D328eco offers improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and enhanced passenger comfort, while maintaining the robustness and operational flexibility that regional airlines have relied on for over 30 years.

“The roll out of our first test aircraft marks a significant achievement in the D328eco programme and an important step towards our physical flight test activities,” said Nico Neumann, co-CEO of Deutsche Aircraft. “This milestone represents our transition from conceptual design to practical testing and industrialisation. At Deutsche Aircraft, we are proud to introduce an aircraft with the proven DNA of the Dornier 328, enhanced for better efficiency, reduced emissions and a superior customer experience, making it an optimal choice for regional operators worldwide.”

As the programme advances to the next stage of development, Deutsche Aircraft continues to position the D328eco as a compelling solution for a sustainable future in regional air transport.