Deutsche Aircraft celebrates topping-out ceremony for new final assembly line in Leipzig - A milestone for German aviation

The event marked an important milestone in the industrialization of the D328eco®, a next-generation 40-seat turboprop aircraft, and reaffirmed Germany's position as a leading location for the production of sustainable regional aircraft.

The ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from Weerts Group, Leipzig/Halle Airport and government officials, to celebrate the progress of a project that will change the aviation landscape in Saxony and beyond.

• A center for innovation and sustainability

The FAL is located on a 60,500 square metre site (the equivalent of eight soccer pitches) and is designed to be carbon neutral and fully digitalized. It features automated and driverless transportation systems, energy-efficient battery-powered tools and augmented reality integration to improve precision and transparency. Customers can observe the assembly of their aircraft in real time.

With an annual production capacity of up to 48 aircraft, the plant will create between 250 and 350 highly qualified jobs, make an important contribution to the regional economy and strengthen Leipzig's role as a strategic aviation hub in Europe.

• 100 million euro investment in the future of aviation

Deutsche Aircraft has invested 100 million euros in the Leipzig site, underlining its commitment to climate-friendly manufacturing and technological excellence. The D328eco, a modernized evolution of the Dornier 328, offers 50% better fuel efficiency than regional jets in the same seating category, significantly reducing operating costs while supporting the transition to more sustainable aviation.

• Outlook

Deutsche Aircraft expects to hand over the FAL at the end of 2025, with production of the first D328eco aircraft scheduled to begin in early 2026. This milestone will not only revitalize aircraft manufacturing in the region, but also set a new standard for sustainable aviation in Europe.