Flying Sustainably

In its press release dated May 16, 2023, Deutsche Aircraft explained why it chose Leipzig: "The strategic focus of Deutsche Aircraft and Leipzig/Halle Airport, as well as the support from the Federal State of Saxony, make Leipzig an attractive location for the assembly line. The region boasts excellent infrastructure, ample space, and a skilled workforce. Furthermore, Saxony has a long tradition in aircraft manufacturing, which Deutsche Aircraft can now build upon.”

The inauguration of the final assembly line in September 2026 marks the transition of the D328eco program from development to series production and establishes Leipzig as the production site for Germany’s next-generation regional aircraft.

Nico Neumann, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft, emphasized at the opening: “Today is about much more than just the opening of a plant. It marks the return of aircraft manufacturing to Saxony and is an important milestone for the D328eco program.” The new facility embodies the program’s vision: “Made in Germany. Built in Saxony. Delivered to the World”—and combines German engineering, Saxony's industrial expertise, and Leipzig’s international connections in a single production site.

The final assembly line strengthens Germany’s ability to design, certify, test, manufacture, and maintain complete aircraft. The facility, in which more than 100 million euros have been invested, is designed for an annual production capacity of up to 48 aircraft. Covering an area of 60,500 square meters—equivalent to about eight soccer fields—the site includes the final assembly line, the airworthiness hangar, the logistics center, and the administrative building.

The final assembly line (FAL) was designed as a modern, digital, and sustainability-focused production environment, combining advanced manufacturing technologies, automated logistics systems, and paperless production processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and transparency throughout the entire aircraft assembly process. An energy-efficient infrastructure, including photovoltaic systems and heat pump technology, reflects Deutsche Aircraft’s commitment to sustainable industrial growth.

Saxony is supporting the project with approximately 3.2 million euros as part of the federal-state program GRW (“Joint Task for Improving Regional Economic Structures”), thereby underscoring its importance for regional economic development.

The final assembly line in Leipzig is expected to create approximately 250 new direct jobs in the coming years as part of the production expansion, thereby promoting skilled employment throughout the aerospace supply chain. Beyond direct employment, the program will create opportunities for apprentices, technicians, engineers, and manufacturing specialists, thereby fostering the next generation of aerospace talent in Saxony.

With the opening of the final assembly line, Deutsche Aircraft has laid the industrial foundation for the series production of the D328eco. Leipzig will serve as the hub for aircraft assembly, flight preparation, and global deliveries to customers.