German aviation reaches new milestone as Deutsche Aircraft opens D328eco® Final Assembly Line

A new era for German aerospace began today as Deutsche Aircraft officially opened its Final Assembly Line (FAL) at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Joined by senior government representatives Christian Hirte and Dirk Panter, the company marked the start of a new chapter in regional aircraft manufacturing. The inauguration represents the transition of the D328eco® programme into serial production and establishes Leipzig as the centre of production for Germany's next-generation regional aircraft. It also marks the return of aircraft manufacturing to Saxony after more than six decades, underscoring the region's growing role in driving aerospace innovation and industrial growth.

More than just a manufacturing site, the new facility embodies Deutsche Aircraft's vision: “Made in Germany. Built in Saxony. Delivered to the World.” The Final Assembly Line unites German engineering excellence with Saxony's industrial strengths and Leipzig's strategic international links, creating a world-class centre for aircraft production.

The facility also represents a significant step forward for Germany's aerospace industry. By connecting its Oberpfaffenhofen and Leipzig sites, Deutsche Aircraft has created a seamless end-to-end capability that spans aircraft design, certification, flight testing, industrialisation, final assembly and customer support.

By anchoring advanced aircraft manufacturing capabilities in Germany, the site enhances the country's industrial strength and long-term competitiveness while safeguarding valuable aerospace expertise for future generations. The opening ceremony attracted senior government officials, industry stakeholders, suppliers, customers and aviation leaders from across the sector. Attendees were also addressed via video message by Michael Kretschmer, Prime Minister of the Free State of Saxony, underscoring the significance of the occasion.

Representing an investment of more than €100 million, the Leipzig facility marks a major commitment to the future of aircraft manufacturing in Germany. Designed to produce up to 48 aircraft annually, the 60,500-square-metre site, equivalent to around eight football fields, houses the Final Assembly Line, Flight Readiness Hangar, logistics hub and administrative headquarters.

The state-of-the-art production centre combines digital manufacturing technologies, automated logistics systems and paperless workflows to streamline operations, improve quality standards and increase efficiency throughout the assembly process. Sustainable features, including photovoltaic energy systems and heat pump technology, support Deutsche Aircraft's ambition to drive environmentally responsible industrial growth. Recognising the project's strategic value, the Free State of Saxony has provided approximately €3.2 million in funding through the Federal-State GRW programme, reinforcing the facility's role as a catalyst for regional economic development.

The new facility is expected to create approximately 250 direct jobs as production ramps up, providing a significant boost to employment across the aerospace sector. From apprentices and technicians to engineers and production specialists, the programme will help cultivate the skilled workforce required to support the future of aviation in Saxony.

As one of Germany's largest recent aerospace investments, the Leipzig Final Assembly Line represents more than a manufacturing project. It is a catalyst for regional growth, creating long-term value throughout the supply chain and reinforcing Saxony's role as a key centre of aerospace excellence in Germany.

Nico Neumann, Chief Executive Officer, Deutsche Aircraft commented: "Today is about much more than opening a factory. It marks the return of aircraft manufacturing to Saxony and a major milestone for the D328eco programme. Together, our sites in Oberpfaffenhofen and Leipzig create an end-to-end capability for developing, certifying, industrialising, manufacturing and supporting complete aircraft in Germany. For the first time in more than 60 years, every phase of the aircraft lifecycle will be integrated under a German aircraft programme. Carrying forward Dornier's pioneering legacy, the FAL strengthens Germany's resilience, competitiveness and sovereign aerospace capabilities while advancing a new generation of sustainable regional aviation.Today we celebrate an important milestone. Tomorrow, we continue building the future of regional aviation."

Michael Kretschmer, Prime Minister and Head of Government of the Free State of Saxony (video message) stated :“The inauguration of this Final Assembly Line highlights Saxony’s position as a competitive industrial and aerospace location with a promising future. Investments such as those undertaken by Deutsche Aircraft strengthen our aerospace sector, create highly qualified jobs and further increase Saxony’s appeal for international industrial projects.”

Marie-Christine von Hahn, Principal Managing Director, German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) said : “Germany can now develop and build a complete aircraft. Bavaria and Saxony have brought together their strengths to make this possible. With the opening of its Final Assembly Line in Leipzig, Deutsche Aircraft is sending a powerful message about the future of the German aerospace industry and Germany as a whole. The D328eco programme stands for technological innovation and long-term value creation that will benefit generations to come. This investment creates highly skilled jobs and strengthens Germany’s competitiveness on the global stage. It is a clear demonstration that long-term industrial investment and the preservation of advanced manufacturing capabilities are invaluable to our country.”

More than just a manufacturing site, the new facility embodies Deutsche Aircraft's vision: “Made in Germany. Built in Saxony. Delivered to the World.” The Final Assembly Line unites German engineering excellence with Saxony's industrial strengths and Leipzig's strategic international links, creating a world-class centre for aircraft production.

The facility also represents a significant step forward for Germany's aerospace industry. By connecting its Oberpfaffenhofen and Leipzig sites, Deutsche Aircraft has created a seamless end-to-end capability that spans aircraft design, certification, flight testing, industrialisation, final assembly and customer support.