Deutsche Aircraft and Pratt & Whitney Canada advance regional turboprop innovation at Paris Air Show

Deutsche Aircraft & Pratt & Whitney Canada provided an update on the 40-seat D328eco regional turboprop at Paris Air Show. Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW127XT-S engine is a next-generation turboprop designed to meet the evolving demands of regional air travel, especially in markets, where operators face unique challenges such as short runways, harsh weather, and remote communities.

The D328eco is a next-generation turboprop designed to deliver:

• Up to 15 % improvement in fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor the D328

• 40 % longer time on wing

• 20 % lower maintenance costs

These enhancements will significantly reduce operating costs and boost dispatch reliability, helping regional airlines deliver dependable services in demanding conditions. 

Maria Della Posta, President, Pratt & Whitney Canada commented: "For over 40 years, we've been dedicated to supporting regional airlines by understanding their unique needs. With the PW127XT engine family, we've developed a solution that reduces maintenance and operating costs, delivering significant value to our customers."

Nico Neumann, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft stated: "The joint test campaign confirms our ambition of making the D328eco ready to operate with future specifications for 100% SAF at Entry Into Service. This, along with other platform updates, ensures the D328eco meets performance, and sustainability goals and provides a reliable, future-ready aircraft."

Programme momentum and technical validation

In late 2024, Deutsche Aircraft and Pratt & Whitney Canada completed a successful flight test campaign using the D328 UpLift demonstrator. Conducted in partnership with the German Aerospace Center, this campaign included five flights powered by fully synthetic, zero aromatics Fischer-Tropsch fuels, confirming that the propulsion system performs to specifications using alternative fuels. This is a crucial step toward supporting future operational flexibility and sustainability goals.

From roll out to certification

The roll out of the first test aircraft at Deutsche Aircraft’s Oberpfaffenhofen facility marked the shift from design to hands-on flight testing, which is scheduled to begin in 2026. The programme remains on track for type certification and Entry Into Service in Q4 2027.

The D328eco is designed to serve regional operators with features including:

• Operational efficiency and high dispatch reliability

• Enhanced passenger comfort through a modern, spacious cabin

• State-of-the-art avionics and aircraft systems

• Short-field and remote operation capabilities

Deutsche Aircraft and Pratt & Whitney Canada continue to collaborate closely to ensure the aircraft meets the highest standards of performance, reliability, and efficiency, paving the way for a new era of more efficient regional air travel.