Deutsche Aircraft has started construction on the new final assembly line (FAL) at Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ) for its future D328eco turboprop. Deutsche Aircraft’s management team, representatives of Leipzig Airport, project stakeholders, and representatives of the German and Saxon governments attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the future building.
The new aircraft from the German manufacturer will have the capacity to carry 43 passengers and will be the most durable in the world. It will be powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127S engines and will have a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 15.6 tonnes.
Nico Neumann, COO, Deutsche Aircraft, said: “At Deutsche Aircraft, we are very proud of building our modern, eco-friendly final assembly line.”
“This is a significant milestone in our D328eco program and we are pleased to be taking this step in line with our program objectives,” said Dave Jackson, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft.
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Deutsche Aircraft chose Leipzig Airport because the area has the necessary infrastructure, sufficient space and highly skilled workforce to support the project. The assembly line will be constructed and operated in accordance with industry best practices and sustainability principles.
“For the German government, Deutsche Aircraft is a strategic partner for the sustainable development of the aviation industry. The D328eco is a major industrial policy project for the German government. is an important milestone for the industry. In the alliance agreement we have set ourselves the goal of making Germany a leader in climate-neutral aviation,” said Dr. Anna Christmann, Federal Government Coordinator for the German Aerospace Industry.
The covered area of the new FAL will be 62,000 square meters and the annual production rate is expected to reach 48 aircraft. The main building, where the aircraft will be assembled, will be accompanied by a hangar that will serve as a distribution center, a logistics center, and an administrative building with parking for staff.
Michael Kretschmer, Prime Minister of the Free State of Saxony, said: “The installation of Deutsche Aircraft at Leipzig Airport is a great success and underlines the attractiveness of Saxony as a business location. Aircraft manufacturing in the new federal states for the first time since unification A final assembly line is being built for.
“As an aircraft manufacturer, Deutsche Aircraft will strengthen Saxony’s aerospace industry and complement the excellent research facilities, supplier companies and maintenance and conversion specialists of the Free State. State-of-the-art and, most importantly, climate-friendly production at Leipzig Airport With the conditions, 350 new jobs will be created,” Kretschmer concluded.
