Deutsche Aircraft has launched a major new chapter in regional aviation with the cornerstone ceremony of its D328eco final assembly line at Leipzig/Halle Airport. This marks a key milestone in the effort to bring climate-friendly, regional aircraft manufacturing back to the heart of Germany.
Set on a site spanning 60,500 square meters—roughly the size of eight football fields—the new facility represents more than just production space. It’s the foundation of a forward-looking aviation ecosystem rooted in eco-conscious manufacturing and innovative design. By the end of 2025, the site will feature a CO2-neutral manufacturing plant, a commissioning hangar, a logistics center, and administrative offices.
Up to 48 aircraft will be assembled annually, with 250 to 350 new jobs created in the process. These will support the production of the D328eco, an advanced turboprop built to meet modern efficiency and sustainability demands while continuing the legacy of the iconic Dornier 328.
Nico Neumann, Co-CEO of Deutsche Aircraft, called the event “a significant day” that marks the industrialization of a long-term project. The D328eco, based on German aviation heritage, is being brought fully back to Germany. Strong support from the Saxon government, shareholders, and partners was key to making this possible.
Saxony’s Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer was aware of the project’s regional significance. He noted that the investment signals “high technology, innovation, and climate-friendly manufacturing” for the area and emphasized its potential for an economic boost and job creation.
The Weerts Group is backing the expansion. Its CEO, Yves Weerts, praised the collaboration and local expertise, describing Leipzig/Halle Airport as an ideal point of entry for the group’s activities in Germany.
The broader impact on Germany’s aerospace industry is also noteworthy. With this facility, Leipzig/Halle Airport is set to become a model for sustainable air traffic and aviation innovation. Götz Ahmelmann, CEO of Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG, stated that the D328eco “will set standards in terms of climate-friendly production and environmentally friendly flying.”
The cornerstone ceremony signals a cooperative effort involving airport authorities, logistics experts, and industrial leaders. The next step comes on May 28, when Deutsche Aircraft will unveil the first test aircraft, the D328eco TAC 1, at its headquarters at the Air Tech Campus in Oberpfaffenhofen.
