Deutsche Aircraft has selected GKN Aerospace to produce the empennage for its D328eco aircraft programme. The global tier 1 aerospace supplier is one of the world's market leaders in aerostructures and is aligned with Deutsche Aircraft in advanced technologies.

The D328eco is a new 40-seat turboprop aircraft being developed by Deutsche Aircraft. Based on the proven D328 platform, the D328eco not only inherits the aerodynamic advanced D328 performance, but also will focus on sustainability for both product and production. In the development of the D328eco, Deutsche Aircraft looks for reliable and environmentally conscious partners.

GKN Aerospace serves over 90 per cent of the world's aircraft and engine OEMs, and is market leading in empennages for business and regional aircraft. Deutsche Aircraft will be working with GKN Aerospace on the development of the empennage and the industrialisation of this airframe main assembly, which includes the rear fuselage and the vertical and horizontal tail plane fin. The empennage will feature advanced lightweight solutions involving composite technology. Working in partnership, both businesses are committed to continuously improve the environmental performance of the platform.

Deutsche Aircraft commits to deliver significant improvements in operations and maintenance. It is glad to have GKN Aerospace as a partner that aligns on the mission of supporting the success of the aircraft programme.

Deutsche Aircraft VP of operations and programmes Nico Neumann says: “The selection of GKN Aerospace with its deep knowledge and long history in advanced composite materials and processes is a perfect fit to the D328eco programme and aligns with the objectives from Deutsche Aircraft.”

GKN president of civil airframes John Pritchard adds: “In the quest for more sustainable and environmentally friendly aviation, we are excited to become part of the D328eco programme. GKN Aerospace is proud to bring its wealth of experience in design and certification, in conjunction with key technological innovations on lightweight composites.”

GM at GKN's Munich facility Dietmar Czaia concludes: “We are proud to be a part of the D328eco programme and a part of the German aerospace ecosystem relaunching this great aircraft. This programme will secure jobs and create future growth for the Munich facility.”

The programme, currently in concept design phase, is focused on the maturity of new systems and materials required to support the aircraft industrialisation. The regional aircraft programme continues to be led out of Oberpfaffenhofen airport near Munich, and planning work has commenced on establishment of the final assembly line at Leipzig Halle airport.