A milestone for German aviation - Deutsche Aircraft celebrated richtfest for new final assembly line in Leipzig

Deutsche Aircraft, in partnership with Weerts Group,hosted the Richtfest (topping-out ceremony) for its state-of-the-art Final Assembly Line at Leipzig/Halle Airport. The event marked a pivotal moment in the industrialisation of the D328eco, a next-generation 40-seater turboprop aircraft, and reaffirmed Germany’s position as a leader in sustainable regional aircraft manufacturing.

The FAL, located on a 60,500 square metre site (which is the equivalent of eight football fields) is designed to be carbon neutral and fully digital. It features automated and driverless transport systems, energy-efficient battery-powered tools and augmented reality integration to enhance precision and transparency. Customers will be able to observe their aircraft being assembled in real time.

Olaf Lawrenz, COO of Deutsche Aircraft, commented: “This milestone is a testament to our team’s dedication and technical expertise. Building upon the robust foundation of the Dornier 328, we’ve integrated modern technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability. The rollout reflects our commitment to delivering a next-generation aircraft that meets the evolving demands of regional aviation.”

Sebastian Böhnl, Leipzig Site Manager, stated: “The final assembly line was developed and planned for the next generation of aircraft manufacturing. Here, the focus is on the employee, and the processes have been adapted accordingly, e.g. materials are brought to the employee and working heights have been designed to meet the highest ergonomic standards.”

Yves Weerts, CEO and President of Weerts Group, said: “This collaboration is a cornerstone for our presence in Germany. We are proud to support Deutsche Aircraft in building one of the most advanced aircraft production facilities in the world.”

Götz Ahmelmann, CEO of Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG, concluded: “This facility will make Leipzig/Halle Airport a beacon for sustainable air transport and another symbol of Saxony's successful industrial development.”

With an annual production capacity of up to 48 aircraft, the facility is creating between 250 and 350 highly skilled jobs, contributing significantly to the regional economy and reinforcing Leipzig’s role as a strategic aviation hub in Europe.

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

Held on the morning of 13 November, Richtfest included speeches from Deutsche Aircraft’s leadership team, Weerts Group and regional partners. This was followed by a traditional topping-out ceremony featuring remarks from one of the construction workers. Following this, guests gathered for a networking lunch, reflecting on the significance of the milestone and the collaborative effort behind the facility’s development.

Deutsche Aircraft expects the handover of the FAL from the end of 2025, with the production of the first D328eco aircraft beginning in early 2026. This milestone will not only revive aircraft manufacturing in the region but also set a new standard for sustainable aviation in Europe.