There are more solutions than obstacles. Nicolas Zart
The AAM sector continues to move forward as established players and newcomers push the boundaries of sustainable aviation, while regulatory bodies design the framework to make it all happen. This week. From the Deutsche Aircraft’s D328eco rollout, to the Airbus delays, and the Paris Air Show 2025, this week’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) news has ticked up as expected.
Deutsche Aircraft Rolls Out D328eco Test Aircraft
In a milestone moment for German aviation, Deutsche Aircraft reported it rolled out its first D328eco test aircraft (TAC 1) at the Airtech Campus in Oberpfaffenhofen, near Munich. This event marks AAM’s progression extending to passenger aircraft in Germany after more than two decades. The event drew over 500 guests, including government officials, industry partners, and media.
The D328eco, an evolution of the iconic Dornier 328, is designed to set new standards in regional aviation with a focus on decarbonization, fuel efficiency, and operational flexibility. TAC1, the first test aircraft, combines 60% existing Do 328 components with 40% new parts and will be used to validate handling characteristics. Two more prototypes—TAC2 and TAC3—will follow, each playing a role in systems testing and final certification.
Deutsche Aircraft’s commitment to innovation is evident in the D328eco’s advanced avionics, modernized aerodynamics, and the integration of the Pratt & Whitney PW127XT-S engine, promising unmatched fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The aircraft’s stretched fuselage allows for 40 passengers, a 20% increase in capacity, and its rugged design enables operations from unpaved runways.
While the D328eco’s entry into service has been delayed to late 2027 to accommodate regulatory changes and additional capability enhancements, the program remains a beacon for regional connectivity and sustainable aviation in Europe.
Airbus Delivery Delays Continue Amid Supply Chain Challenges
Airbus, Europe’s leading commercial aircraft manufacturer, continues to grapple with persistent supply chain issues, warning airlines that delivery delays could last another three years—potentially extending into 2028
. The delays, communicated to customers during recent meetings in Toulouse, stem from bottlenecks in key components and engines, despite some improvements in parts and labor availability.
Airbus has reaffirmed its commitment to ramping up production, aiming for 820 deliveries in 2025, but the backlog has forced airlines to retain older aircraft longer and adjust fleet plans. The ongoing delays underscore the complexity of the global aerospace supply chain and the importance of resilience and innovation as demand for new, more efficient aircraft remains high.
Paris Air Show 2025: AAM and eVTOL Take Center Stage
The Salon du Bourget (Paris Air Show 2025) reaffirmed its status as the world’s premier aerospace event, with advanced air mobility and sustainable aviation technologies at the forefront. This year’s show featured a record number of eVTOL prototypes, hydrogen-powered concepts, and next-generation regional aircraft.
Key takeaways from the show include:
- eVTOL Innovation: Multiple manufacturers showcased full-scale electric air taxis, with several announcing new partnerships for urban deployment and vertiport infrastructure.
- Hydrogen and Hybrid Aircraft: Startups and major OEMs alike demonstrated progress on hydrogen propulsion and hybrid-electric systems, signaling a shift toward zero-emission regional and commuter flights.
- Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF): The industry’s drive to decarbonize was evident, with SAF supply chain agreements and new certification milestones announced.
- Global Collaboration: The show highlighted the importance of cross-industry partnerships, from battery technology to regulatory harmonization, as AAM moves closer to commercial reality.
Desert Heat, Steady Power: H55 Delivers Unmatched Performance in Hot Climates
H55’s Electric Propulsion System Shines in the Mojave Desert
The Swiss electric aviation pioneer and Solar Impulse spin-off, H55, completed the fourth stop of its Across America tour in Las Vegas with its B23 Energic. It aced one of the world’s harshest flight environments—the Californian Mojave Desert.
Operating in extreme heat and low-density altitude, the fully electric B23 Energic demonstrated flawless reliability and consistent power output, outperforming combustion engines that typically struggle in such conditions. H55’s proprietary battery and energy management system ensured peak performance, with thermal regulation architecture delivering safe, steady power regardless of temperature or elevation.
U.S. Air Force test pilots, commercial pilots, and instructors who flew the B23 Energic reported no performance drop, even during intense desert heat. According to Céline Bonnefous, Lead Flight Test Engineer: “The H55 electric engine isn’t affected by density altitude… It delivers consistent power regardless of heat or elevation—unlike piston engines, which rely on air density for combustion.”
H55’s tour now heads to Silicon Valley, with stops at San Carlos and Palo Alto, and a feature at the Hiller Aviation Museum’s Biggest Little Air Show on June 14. The company also launched its Ambassador Program, inviting aviation professionals and enthusiasts to join their mission for clean, electric flight.
Looking Ahead
This week’s developments underscore the momentum and challenges in advanced air mobility. The D328eco rollout signals a new era for regional aviation in Europe, while Airbus’s ongoing delays highlight the need for robust supply chains. Meanwhile, the Paris Air Show 2025 offers a glimpse into a future where electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered aircraft reshape how we move people and goods.
Stay tuned to electricairmobility.com for more updates as the AAM sector continues to evolve.