At the Paris Air Show 2025, Deutsche Aircraft and Pratt & Whitney Canada announced key programme milestones and technical achievements in the development of the D328eco® regional turboprop, advancing the future of sustainable, high-performance regional air travel.
The update follows the successful roll-out of the first test aircraft (TAC 1) in May 2025 and the completion of a joint synthetic fuel test campaign in late 2024. The D328eco, a 40-seat next-generation turboprop, is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW127XT-S engine—engineered specifically to support regional operators facing operational challenges such as short runways, severe climates, and isolated routes.
Key performance benefits of the D328eco include:
- Up to 15% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the D328®
- 40% longer time on wing
- 20% lower maintenance costs
These improvements translate directly into reduced operating costs and enhanced dispatch reliability, which are critical factors for regional carriers.
“For over 40 years, we’ve been dedicated to supporting regional airlines by understanding their unique needs,” said Maria Della Posta, President of Pratt & Whitney Canada. “With the PW127XT engine family, we’ve developed a solution that reduces maintenance and operating costs, delivering significant value to our customers.”
In a major stride toward sustainable aviation, the D328 UpLift demonstrator completed five successful flights in 2024 using 100% synthetic, zero-aromatic Fischer-Tropsch fuel. Conducted with the German Aerospace Center, this campaign validated the propulsion system’s performance under alternative fuel conditions.
“The joint test campaign confirms our ambition of making the D328eco ready to operate with future specifications for 100% SAF at Entry Into Service (EIS),” said Nico Neumann, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft.
The transition from design to testing was formally marked by the roll-out of the first test aircraft at Deutsche Aircraft’s Oberpfaffenhofen facility, with flight testing set to begin in 2026. The programme remains on track for type certification and EIS in Q4 2027.
Designed with regional operators in mind, the D328eco offers:
- Superior operational efficiency and dispatch reliability
- A modern, comfortable cabin
- Advanced avionics and systems
- Outstanding short-field and remote operations capability
Deutsche Aircraft and Pratt & Whitney Canada continue to work in close partnership to ensure that the D328eco meets the highest standards in performance, sustainability, and reliability—paving the way for the future of regional aviation.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: DEUTSCHE AIRCRAFT
