Şebnem Akalın: What was the market gap or key driver that led Deutsche Aircraft to develop the D328eco? How did the vision for this aircraft originate?   

Nico Neumann: The D328eco programme kicked off due to a market need. It was developed as a replacement for aging regional aircraft (jet and prop), as well as a solution for fast-growing markets like Asia. The D328eco brings operators  a modern, sustainable and right-sized regional aircraft with beneficial economics. Building on the proven Dornier 328 platform, our vision was to create an aircraft that combines reliability with future-ready technologies, offering lower emissions, improved economics and versatility for regional missions.

Şebnem Akalın: While the D328eco is not a clean-sheet design, it builds on the legacy of the Dornier 328. What are the most significant technological and operational upgrades introduced in the new model? How do these modifications align with today’s operator needs? 

Nico Neumann: The D328eco introduces several key upgrades: a 2.1 metre fuselage stretch for increased capacity, the Garmin G5000 Prime avionics suite for enhanced situational awareness and reduced pilot workload, a newly developed landing gear and Pratt & Whitney PW127XT-S engines for improved fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs. These enhancements directly address operator needs in terms of sustainability, performance and cost-effectiveness, while maintaining the aircraft’s renowned reliability and STOL capabilities.

Şebnem Akalın: The aircraft is designed with a 40-seat capacity, targeting a specific niche. Why is this capacity ideal, and which regions or markets are you focusing on first? 

Nico Neumann: The 40-seat configuration is ideal for underserved regional routes where larger aircraft are not economically viable. It offers operators flexibility to serve lower-demand routes profitably, especially in emerging markets and remote areas. We’re initially focusing on Europe, North America and parts of the Asia-Pacific, where there’s growing demand for sustainable regional connectivity and fleet renewal.In addition, we are actively addressing the U.S. Part 135 market with a flexible dual-class 30-seat layout, which meets regulatory requirements while offering premium service options. This configuration also aligns with the Chinese market, where the Civil Aviation Administration enforces a 30-seat limit for general aviation operators. The D328eco’s modular cabin and short-field performance make it an ideal solution for both markets, supporting regional growth and accessibility.

Şebnem Akalın: The 40-seat turboprop market has been quiet, with few ATR 42 orders and no competition from De Havilland. Why do you believe this segment is poised for a comeback? 

Nico Neumann: We believe the segment is ripe for a comeback due to several converging factors: the need for fleet replacement, increasing environmental regulations and a renewed focus on regional connectivity. The D328eco offers a modern alternative with lower emissions, SAF compatibility and operational flexibility — making it attractive to operators looking to future-proof their fleets. The D328eco offers the lowest trip cost in its class, combined with a higher cruise speed. It is the fastest turboprop that offers the experience of a narrow-body jet. 

Şebnem Akalın: One of the D328eco’s standout features is its STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) capability and suitability for steep approaches. In practical terms, where will these capabilities make the biggest impact? 

Nico Neumann: With optional STOL and steep approach capabilities, the D328eco  opens up access to airports with short runways or challenging terrain, such as island destinations, mountainous regions and urban airports. This allows operators to serve communities that are otherwise difficult to reach, enhancing regional mobility and economic development.

 Şebnem Akalın: Deutsche Aircraft has chosen the Pratt & Whitney PW127XT-S engine. Why did you opt for a conventional powerplant over a hybrid or electric system, and how do you see that evolving over the next decade? 

Nico Neumann: We chose the PW127XT-S for its proven reliability, efficiency and readiness for SAF use. Our engineering team is involved in various research and technology streams and we have come to the clear conclusion that we can offer the market the best economics as we move towards 100% SAF. 

Şebnem Akalın: Deutsche Aircraft has chosen Garmin’s new G5000 Prime flight deck for the D328eco. What advantages does this third-generation avionics suite bring to pilots and operators? 

Nico Neumann: The G5000 Prime offers a modern, intuitive interface with advanced navigation, communication and safety features. It reduces pilot workload, enhances situational awareness and supports future airspace requirements. For operators, it means lower training costs (many young pilots are trained on Garmin which allows easier transition), lower maintenance costs, improved dispatch reliability and easier integration into modern fleets.

Şebnem Akalın: Following the rollout of the test prototype (TAC 1) in May 2025, what are the key certification and production milestones leading up to the aircraft’s entry into service in late 2027? How are you managing expectations among customers and suppliers? 

Nico Neumann: Following the rollout of TAC 1, we’re entering a rigorous flight test and certification campaign. Key milestones include EASA certification, production ramp-up and customer delivery readiness. We continue to maintain close communication with customers and suppliers, ensuring transparency and alignment on timelines. Our goal is to deliver a certified, reliable aircraft by late 2027, with a robust support ecosystem in place.

Şebnem Akalın: With a production ramp-up plan to eventually build 48 aircraft per year, what are the biggest operational or regulatory risks to achieving that goal? 

Nico Neumann: Scaling production to 48 aircraft annually requires careful coordination across the supply chain, workforce and regulatory compliance. Risks include certification delays, supplier bottlenecks and evolving regulatory standards. We mitigate these through proactive planning, strategic partnerships and continuous engagement with authorities and stakeholders.

Şebnem Akalın: With no confirmed firm orders yet, how confident are you in converting LOIs into actual contracts, and what kinds of operators are showing the most interest? 

Nico Neumann: We’re confident that we will convert LOIs into firm orders as we progress through certification and demonstrate the aircraft’s capabilities. Interest is strong among regional airlines, government operators and special mission customers. The D328eco’s unique value proposition  of sustainability, versatility and performance is highly appealing to diverse operator profiles.

Şebnem Akalın: What lessons has Deutsche Aircraft drawn from the history of previous Dornier-related ventures — including Fairchild Dornier and AvCraft — to ensure this programme succeeds? 

Nico Neumann: We’ve studied the past carefully and built our strategy around long-term sustainability, financial discipline and customer-centric innovation. Unlike previous ventures, Deutsche Aircraft is backed by strong industrial market development and financial foundation based on the changed market environment, with a clear roadmap and experienced leadership. We’re committed to learning from history while forging a future that’s resilient and forward-looking.

Şebnem Akalın: The D328eco will feature Garmin’s new G5000 Prime flight deck and jet-bridge-compatible forward door, which are innovations not typically found in this segment. How are these features being received by potential customers, particularly in the US market? 

Nico Neumann: These features have been very well received, especially in the US market where passenger comfort and airport compatibility are key. The jet-bridge-compatible door enhances accessibility and turnaround efficiency, while the G5000 Prime aligns with pilot expectations for modern avionics. Together, they position the D328eco as a premium offering in the regional space.

Şebnem Akalın: The D328eco has been designed with adaptability in mind. Can you elaborate on the aircraft’s potential for multi-role missions such as Medevac, search & rescue and defence operations? 

Nico Neumann: Adaptability is a core strength of the D328eco. Its spacious cabin, robust performance and modular design make it ideal for Medevac, SAR and defence roles. We’re working with partners to develop mission-specific configurations, ensuring the aircraft can serve both civilian and governmental needs with minimal modification.

Şebnem Akalın: The D328eco is promoted as 100% SAF-compatible. While many modern turboprops can theoretically run on SAF, how are you positioning the aircraft to stand out in terms of sustainability? 

Nico Neumann: We’re not just SAF compatible — we’re committed. The D328eco is designed to operate efficiently on 100% SAF, and we’re actively engaging with fuel providers and operators to support adoption. While infrastructure is still developing, momentum is growing. Our aircraft stands out by combining SAF capability with low emissions, efficient engines and a sustainability-first design philosophy.

Şebnem Akalın: As the CEO of Deutsche Aircraft, you mentioned that Deutsche Aircraft does not intend to remain a single-product OEM. Are there any insights you can share about future aircraft concepts or long-term development goals? 

Nico Neumann: At Deutsche Aircraft, we are building a future-focused OEM with a clear commitment to innovation, sustainability and regional connectivity. The D328eco is our main platform, but it is only the beginning. Our long-term development roadmap is shaped by three key pillars: environmental responsibility, operational versatility and digital integration. Ultimately, our goal is to become a trusted OEM that supports the next generation of regional aviation