What is the Commercial Vision for Deutsche Aircraft's D328eco Turboprop?
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Deutsche Aircraft's new CCO, Anastasija Visnakova, unveiled a commercial vision for the D328eco regional turboprop, targeting EASA/FAA certification by late 2027.
Key Takeaways
- •Deutsche Aircraft is targeting EASA and FAA certification for the D328eco regional turboprop by the end of 2027.
- •The first test flight for the 40-seater aircraft is anticipated for the third or fourth quarter of 2026.
- •New CCO Anastasija Visnakova is driving a commercial vision focused on end-to-end customer support and positioning the D328eco as a highly efficient, 100% SAF-compatible replacement for aging regional fleets.
- •The D328eco is designed for superior Short Take-off and Landing (STOL) performance, vital for remote and challenging regional routes.
Anastasija Visnakova, Deutsche Aircraft's new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), has outlined an ambitious commercial strategy for the D328eco regional turboprop. Her vision focuses on delivering a complete, end-to-end customer experience. This strategy aims to position the D328eco as the modern, efficient workhorse for regional operators globally. Visnakova assumed the CCO role in February 2026, overseeing sales, marketing, and aftermarket support.
Certification and Production Pipeline
The D328eco program is advancing toward its key milestones. The company anticipates the first test flight for the aircraft will occur in late 2026. Deutsche Aircraft remains focused on achieving joint EASA and FAA certification by the end of 2027. First customer deliveries are currently planned for early 2028. This timeline aligns with regulatory changes requiring a comprehensive certification process.
The aircraft's Final Assembly Line is under construction in Leipzig, Germany. The manufacturer has secured over 95% of its suppliers for the new platform.
Technical and Environmental Edge
The D328eco is a modern upgrade of the Dornier 328 platform. It is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable regional air travel. The aircraft is powered by the highly efficient Pratt & Whitney PW127XT-S engines. Critically, the turboprop will be fully compatible with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from its entry into service.
- The D328eco offers up to 50% better fuel efficiency than comparable regional jets.
- It features excellent Short Take-off and Landing (STOL) performance.
- This STOL capability is vital for operating in remote or challenging environments.
Targeting the Regional Market Gap
The CCO emphasizes the importance of regional carriers, calling them the "salt of the industry." The regional turboprop market is currently undergoing a significant shift. Many existing 30- to 40-seat aircraft are aging and nearing retirement. Deutsche Aircraft sees a clear market gap for a new-generation 40-seater aircraft replacement.
Visnakova acknowledges that the ATR is the main competitor in this segment. However, she stresses that the market is large enough for both manufacturers. The D328eco differentiates itself through its robustness and performance on challenging runways. The global replacement market potential is estimated to be around 3,000 aircraft. The aircraft is positioned for strong demand in regions like North America, India, and Africa.
Impact on Airlines and Operations
The D328eco's design directly addresses key operational challenges for airlines:
- Lower Operating Costs: The efficient engines and design lead to a lower trip cost in its class.
- Increased Connectivity: Its STOL performance allows access to smaller, underserved airports.
- Sustainability Goals: SAF compatibility helps airlines meet their environmental targets.
Visnakova's commercial strategy is focused on building long-term partnerships. This includes providing comprehensive after-sales support and training. The goal is to support the operators' business cases and sustainability targets. The company is transitioning from a development firm to a series production manufacturer. This requires a unified commercial approach to ensure market success.
From airline operations to fleet updates, commercial aviation news lives at flying.flights. Follow aviation sustainability efforts, emissions research, and green initiatives in the Environmental section at flying.flights/environmental.
Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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