Deutsche Aircraft is revolutionizing regional aviation with the D328eco, a modern turboprop designed for efficiency, sustainability, and performance in challenging environments. With its Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capabilities, fuel-efficient engines, and compatibility with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), the D328eco is poised to transform connectivity in underserved regions, particularly in Africa. Airspace Africa sat down with Reinhard Schwaiger, Sales Director at Deutsche Aircraft, to discuss how the D328eco addresses Africa’s unique aviation challenges, supports economic growth, and aligns with global sustainability goals.
Airspace Africa: The D328eco is positioned as an ideal aircraft for regional connectivity in Africa due to its short-field capabilities and efficiency. What specific features of the D328eco make it uniquely suited to address the diverse operational challenges in Africa, such as unpaved runways, high-altitude airports, and limited infrastructure?
Reinhard Schwaiger: The D328eco is purpose-built for challenging environments like those found across Africa. It features Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capabilities, making it ideal for remote and underdeveloped airstrips, including unpaved runways. It performs exceptionally well in high-altitude and high-temperature conditions—up to +50°C—thanks to its PW127XT-S engines, which also offer up to 50% better fuel efficiency than comparable regional jets. This operational flexibility ensures reliable service even in regions with limited infrastructure.
Airspace Africa: Commercial aviation generates significant economic activity, yet Africa’s aviation sector remains underdeveloped. How does Deutsche Aircraft envision the D328eco contributing to economic growth and job creation in African communities, particularly in underserved regions?
Reinhard Schwaiger: Deutsche Aircraft sees the D328eco as a catalyst for regional development. By enabling reliable connectivity to underserved areas, it supports local economies, tourism, and access to essential services. The aircraft’s fuel efficiency and low operating cost make regional routes more viable for African carriers. With 40 seats, it’s ideal for high-frequency or developing routes.
Airspace Africa: Are there plans to collaborate with African airlines, leasing companies, or governments to introduce the D328eco? What challenges do you anticipate in penetrating the African market, given the financial constraints faced by many African carriers?
Reinhard Schwaiger: Yes, we are actively engaging with African airlines, lessors, and government stakeholders. We recognize that financial constraints are a key challenge, which is why we facilitate diverse financing solutions, including access to experienced lessors and Export Credit Agencies like Euler Hermes. Our goal is to support an early and open dialogue to tailor financing structures that meet the unique needs of African operators.
Airspace Africa: Deutsche Aircraft has committed to climate-neutral aviation by 2035, with initiatives like the D328 UpLift research aircraft and the 328ALPHA hydrogen project. How do these efforts align with Africa’s fragmented regulatory environment and the global push for net-zero emissions by 2050?
Reinhard Schwaiger: Our commitment to climate-neutral aviation by 2035 aligns with global sustainability goals and supports Africa’s evolving regulatory landscape. Initiatives like the D328 UpLift, which is our collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), demonstrate our position for reaching sustainable aviation goals together with our partners. The D328eco is fully compatible with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), offering African operators a practical path toward decarbonization without compromising performance or cost-efficiency.
Airspace Africa: Beyond fuel, how is the D328eco’s design or energy-efficient systems tailored to help African airports and airlines meet sustainability goals while managing costs?
Reinhard Schwaiger: The D328eco delivers up to 60% fuel savings on a 300 NM trip compared to regional jets. Its modern avionics and longer engine time-on-wing reduce maintenance frequency and costs. Additionally, its optimized size and weight help lower navigational and operational expenses. These features make it a cost-effective and sustainable solution for African operators striving to meet environmental targets. With supportive operational conditions, its “faster” cruise speed along with its 20-minute turnaround time can offer the airline an opportunity to add one more trip in a day.
Airspace Africa: Global supply chain disruptions continue to challenge the aviation industry in 2025. How is Deutsche Aircraft ensuring resilience in its supply chain, particularly for African operators who may face logistical hurdles?
Reinhard Schwaiger: We are building a resilient and transparent supply chain anchored by our new Final Assembly Line at Leipzig/Halle Airport, which is also a key global logistics hub, opening in late 2025. This facility will be 100% digital and energy-efficient, incorporating advanced technologies like augmented reality. Sustainability and efficiency are embedded across the entire supply chain, ensuring reliable delivery and support for operators worldwide, including those in Africa.
Airspace Africa: The aviation industry faces a global shortage of skilled professionals, which is particularly acute in Africa. Does Deutsche Aircraft plan to support training or capacity-building programs to ensure African operators can maintain and operate the D328eco effectively?
Reinhard Schwaiger: Our goal is to empower local communities by developing a skilled workforce capable of maintaining and operating the D328eco. This commitment to capacity-building ensures long-term operational success for our African partners.
Airspace Africa: Many African airlines struggle with the upfront costs of fleet modernization. What financing or leasing models is Deutsche Aircraft exploring to make the D328eco accessible to African carriers, and are there plans to partner with financial institutions?
Reinhard Schwaiger: We offer a range of financing solutions tailored to the diverse needs of African operators. This includes direct engagement with lessors and Export Credit Agencies, as well as support throughout the financing process. Our proactive approach ensures that operators have access to the right financial tools, whether they prefer full ownership or leasing models.
Airspace Africa: The regional turboprop market is competitive, with players like ATR and De Havilland Canada. What differentiates the D328eco in terms of performance, cost, and sustainability, particularly for African operators seeking cost-effective solutions?
Reinhard Schwaiger: The D328eco stands out with its unmatched combination of performance, efficiency, and versatility. Built in the 21st century with modern passengers in mind, the D328eco features a quiet cabin and improved comfort, a big step up from older turboprops. It offers superior fuel efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and STOL capabilities for remote operations while able to land on unpaved runways. It’s an aircraft that can fly faster (324 kts) and can fly higher (30,000 ft) while consuming less than a regional jet. Its compatibility with SAF and reduced environmental footprint make it a future-ready solution. For African operators, it delivers cost-effective, sustainable, and reliable regional connectivity.
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