There are more solutions than obstacles. Nicolas Zart
The Deutsche Aircraft D328eco Targets Africa
Africa’s passenger flight is set to grow 6% each year until 2044, more than doubling the commercial fleet, and Deutsche Aircraft is ready to take advantage of this. Many routes still use 25-to-35-year-old turboprops like ATR and Dash 8 that guzzle fuel and lack modern features. Deutsche Aircraft sees its D328eco as the fix, a stretched update to the Dornier 328 with new engines and systems for thin routes and remote spots.
Deutsche Aircraft reminded the Dubai Airshow visitors that no new 40-seaters exist as old jets fade. With a deliberate push over the past decades to remove highly-tweaked turboprops for turbo fans, some routes have closed, leaving an open space to be filled today. The Deutsche Aircraft D328eco can handle the hot-high air in East Africa, short runways for tourism and mining, and dusty conditions, making it a perfect fit for the environment. Furthermore, it cuts fuel burn and boosts climb power, a key for elevated fields.
Key Features and Savings
Operators are told to expect 30% less cost than old turboprops and 50% than regional jets. Using Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW127XT-S engines, these aircraft offer better fuel use and longer life between checks. Coupled to the Garmin G5000 flight deck cuts training time for pilots from modern trainers and lowers upkeep.
On the passenger side of things, the cabin fits 40 passengers with quiet comfort, and its range stretches to 655 nautical miles at full load. It runs on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), aiding green goals, and pairs with research into hybrid hydrogen tech. A carbon-neutral factory in Leipzig builds up to 48 planes yearly.
Financing and Support
Money blocks fleet upgrades in Africa more than plane supply. Deutsche Aircraft teams with lessors and Germany’s export agency (now Allianz Trade, formerly Euler Hermes) for guarantees that ease loans. This three-way talk helps airlines fund growth.
Parts networks grow ahead of the 2026 first flight and certification, using the old Dornier 328 certificate for 80-90% new design. Schwaiger stresses after-sales sales repeat buys: reliable service keeps routes open where roads fail.
Ties to Electric Air Mobility
Electricairmobility.news covered the D328eco rollout and weekly AAM updates, linking it to advanced air trends. Nicolas Zart, site founder, noted it in electric aviation posts amid eVTOL news. Deutsche Aircraft links with Vaeridion on electric batteries for D328 test beds, eyeing zero-emission flights by 2030.
