Charlotte Bailey joined AIN’s editorial team in 2025 as a news reporter covering multiple topics including business aviation, new technology and the defense sector. She is also a frequent presenter in AIN’s video news reports. 
UK-based Charlotte has a strong interest in vintage military jets and in 2023 published a book about the de Havilland Vampire, as well as serving as a consultant on the topic for TV and movie projects. She is keen to expand her flying experience and enjoys hands-on assignments worldwide. In 2024, Charlotte was honored as Best New Journalist in the Aerospace Media Awards. Early in her career, Charlotte was involved in manufacturing customized hot air balloons.

News Reporter 

Charlotte Bailey

Deutsche Aircraft this week opened the final assembly line at Leipzig Halle Airport in northeast Germany, where it will build its D328eco regional airliner. The start-up is working to certify a model that modernizes the 1990s-era Dornier 328 twin turboprop with new Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada PW12XT-S turboprops and a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2025-06-15/garmins-third-generation-flightdeck-debuts-d328eco">Garmin</a> G5000 Prime flight deck.
While Deutsche Aircraft’s Oberpfaffenhofen base in Bavaria will remain the home of its engineering, flight testing and certification activities, the Leipzig site will serve as the centre for aircraft assembly, flight testing and customer deliveries. The company has invested €100 million ($113 million) in a 651,217-sq-ft site it said will have capacity to build up to 48 aircraft each year, with new employees set to start work there in the coming months.
The Leipzig facility was officially inaugurated during an event on September 29. “For the first time in more than 60 years, every phase of the aircraft lifecycle will be integrated under a German aircraft program,” Deutsche Aircraft CEO Nico Neumann commented.
The D328eco’s journey can trace its roots back to the original Fairchild Dornier 328 turboprop, which made its first flight in 1991. In 2006, the newly-founded 328 Support Services took over the type certificate rights for the D328. This was subsequently acquired in 2015 by U.S. aerospace and engineering company Sierra Nevada Corporation, which in 2020 established Deutsche Aircraft with the aim providing a more fuel efficient design for the regional airline market.&nbsp;
During the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2025-05-28/deutsche-aircraft-rolls-out-first-d328eco-regional-prototype">May 2025</a> rollout of its first D328eco prototype, Deutsche Aircraft stated it was targeting type certification under EASA CS25 and FAA Part-25 rules in time for service entry during the fourth quarter of 2027. In addition to the new engines and avionics, the modern-day design features <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2026-07-21/acron-supply-flight-recorders-d328eco">Acron Aviation</a> flight recorders.&nbsp;
According to the company, the opening of the Leipzig site marks the transition of the aircraft program from development to serial production using advanced manufacturing technologies, automated logistics systems and paperless production processes. It said the move also symbolises a new era for both an evolving aircraft and the German aerospace industry, building on what the OEM defined as “Germany’s rich aviation heritage and Dornier’s pioneering legacy.”&nbsp;

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Deutsche Aircraft Opens D328eco Aircraft Production Line in Leipzig 

Final assembly facility marks start of D328eco serial production

Deutsche Aircraft has formally opened its final assembly line at Leipzig Halle airport, northeast Germany, where it will build its D328eco regional turboprop. 

Deutsche Aircraft Opens D328eco Factory in Leipzig 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Julie Boatman

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Manufacturers source and upcycle the latest in advanced materials

Manufacturers Move into a Renewed Material World 

Rolland Vincent

RVA predicts deliveries will reach nearly 900 aircraft this year

Vantage Point: Examining the Bifurcated Market

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Iconic Cold War spy plane removed from museum amid speculation

NASA Teases Potential SR-71 Blackbird Return To Flight

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Top suppliers met at Garmin facilities to collaborate

Embraer Supplier Council Explores Innovations

Market to remain strong in fourth quarter

SmartJets: Long-range Bizjets Driving Strong Used Market

$20 billion deal marks second new fighter award for major defense prime 

Boeing Secures U.S. Navy F/A-XX Fighter Contract

Howard Hardee

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Complication from software change causes concern for airlines with new narrowbody on order

Boeing Deals With Another 737 Max 10 Certification Delay 

Charles Alcock

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

In this article

Deutsche Aircraft

More In Aircraft