Deutsche Aircraft has hosted an Operator Summit at its headquarters in Oberpfaffenhofen, bringing together current D328 aircraft operators as well as prospective and committed customers for the new D328eco regional turboprop programme.

The event was designed as a customer-focused forum intended to strengthen communication between the manufacturer and operators while addressing operational challenges facing the regional aviation sector.

Discussions centred on sustainability pressures, fleet availability, operational costs and customer support requirements, with operators invited to provide direct operational feedback and raise concerns regarding the D328 platform.

A key focus of the summit was Deutsche Aircraft’s ongoing support for the in-service D328 fleet. The company outlined continued landing gear support initiatives and supply chain measures aimed at maintaining long-term fleet operability.

The manufacturer also discussed the development of its customer support infrastructure, including partnerships with specialist support companies and the expansion of its Customer Support Portal, which serves as the primary interface for technical support and customer communication.

Deutsche Aircraft said feedback collected during the summit would help identify improvements across engineering, operational and customer support functions.

The operator engagement initiative forms part of a broader customer support strategy led by Chief Commercial Officer Anastasija Visnakova, whose responsibilities include sales, marketing and aftermarket services for the company’s aircraft programmes.

Alexander Tesch, Vice President Customer Support & Service, said the summit reflected the company’s commitment to direct engagement with operators ahead of the planned entry into service of the D328eco aircraft.

“Listening to our operators is essential,” said Visnakova. “The Operator Summit is a key element of how we build trusted partnerships.”

The D328eco programme represents Deutsche Aircraft’s modernised evolution of the Dornier 328 regional turboprop platform, targeting regional operators seeking lower-emission and efficient short-haul connectivity solutions.