"THE D328 IS THE FIRST NEW REGIONAL TURBOPROP AIRCRAFT IN THE 21ST CENTURY"

At the 55th edition of International Paris Airshow, German aircraft manufacturer, Deutsche showcased its revolutionary D328eco aircraft mock-up, with the enhanced customer experience centre. The 40-saeter turboprop has already garnered a lot of interest from the regional aviation sector due to its various new initiatives like low-emission propulsion system, advanced avionics and ergonomic seating with intend to elevate passenger comfort. In an exclusive interview, Nils Heuer, Sales Director, Deutsche Aircraft speaks with Aviation World on the various aspects of the aircrafts. Excerpts...

- Nils Heuer, Sales Director, Deutsche Aircraft

Tell us about Deutsche Aircraft and the new D328eco?

Deutsche Aircraft is a German aircraft manufacturer based in Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich in Germany. We build on the heritage of aircraft pioneers and Dornier's reputation for design, quality and innovative aircraft solutions. Dornier was one of the founders of the German aviation industry that had its headquarters in Oberpfaffenhofen and that developed the original Dornier 228 aircraft. We are now bringing it back to the market as the improved and stretched Dornier, i.e., D328 Eco.

What's the USP of D328 Eco aircraft?

The D328 is the first new regional turboprop aircraft in the 21st century. If you look at other aircraft in this size category in the market, they are mainly based on 90s, 80s technologies. For the first time in the 21st century, we are really developing a new regional turboprop aircraft that starts with the Garmin G5000 Prime flight deck which is unique in this kind of aircraft category and the very modern and efficient and reliable Pratt & Whitney 127XT engines.

What are the seat configurations and key features of D328 Eco aircraft?

It's a 40-seater regional aircraft that brings comfort to the regional aviation world for the passengers. At the same time for the airline operator it delivers the right economics.

It's a very efficient aircraft where lot of focus is on reducing the operating cost in general and maintenance cost of this aircraft in particular. With a new engine, the aerodynamic design of the wing and the fuselage, it achieves a very low fuel burn for this aircraft. At the end, it helps to achieve the right operating economics which are important for regional airlines that operate such an aircraft on low demand routes.

What is the production schedule and what are the delivery timelines?