Deutsche Aircraft and Hexcel have announced a long-term industrial partnership and supply agreement to support the development of the D328eco, a next-generation regional turboprop aircraft designed, certified, and manufactured in Europe. The agreement was formally signed during the ILA Berlin Air Show at the BDLI Pavilion, highlighting the event’s role as a key platform for advancing Europe’s aerospace industry. The partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to strengthening European aerospace capabilities through innovation, industrial resilience, and long-term collaboration.
Advanced composite materials to enhance aircraft performance
Under the agreement, Hexcel will provide advanced composite material solutions for integration into the D328eco airframe. The materials have been specifically engineered to meet the aircraft programme’s demanding requirements for strength, weight reduction, durability, and environmental performance.
The composite technologies will be used in both primary and secondary aircraft structures, where reducing weight and improving fatigue resistance are critical. These enhancements are expected to improve fuel efficiency, operational reliability, and overall aircraft performance while supporting sustainability objectives.
Lilian Braylé, President Aerospace Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa & Industrial at Hexcel, said the partnership reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting innovative and sustainable aerospace programmes across Europe. She noted that the collaboration combines advanced materials technology with industrial expertise to help develop a new generation of efficient regional aircraft.
Partnership supports D328eco certification and industrialisation
The D328eco is a modernized version of the Dornier 328 turboprop, incorporating new propulsion technologies, advanced avionics systems, and optimized aerostructures designed to reduce environmental impact and lifecycle emissions.
According to the companies, the collaboration will play an important role in supporting certification activities, industrial readiness, and long-term maintainability of the aircraft. The partnership also aligns with European production and supply chain requirements, helping to strengthen regional aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
Patricia Ferrari, VP Supply Chain at Deutsche Aircraft, emphasized that strong industrial partnerships are essential to delivering an efficient and sustainable aircraft for regional operators worldwide. She added that Hexcel’s expertise in advanced materials will contribute significantly to the programme’s performance and reliability goals.
Strengthening Europe’s aerospace supply chain
Nico Neumann, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft, described the agreement as a key step in establishing a strong foundation for the certification, production ramp-up, and serial manufacturing of the D328eco in Germany and across Europe.
The partnership highlights a shared ambition between Deutsche Aircraft and Hexcel to reinforce Europe’s aerospace supply chain, strengthen Germany’s position as a centre for aerostructures excellence, and support the transition toward more sustainable regional aviation.
By combining advanced composite technologies with industrial expertise and a resilient supply chain, the two companies aim to set new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and long-term operational performance in the regional aircraft market.
