Deutsche Aircraft and Hexcel announce long-term composite partnership for the D328eco regional aircraft programme

Deutsche Aircraft and Hexcel today jointly announced the signing of a long-term industrial partnership and supply agreement focused on advanced composite solutions for the D328eco, the next-generation regional turboprop designed, certified, and industrialised in Europe.

The agreement was formalised at the ILA Berlin Air Show, at the BDLI Pavilion, emphasising the role of ILA as Germany's leading aerospace exhibition and a key platform for advancing Europe's aerospace industrial ecosystem. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to long-term cooperation, industrial resilience, and technological excellence anchored in Europe.

Under the agreement, Hexcel and Deutsche Aircraft will collaborate closely to integrate advanced composite solutions into the D328eco airframe. The materials are engineered to meet the programme's stringent mechanical, weight, and environmental requirements, supporting both performance and sustainability objectives.

The composite solutions will be applied in primary and secondary aircraft structures, where weight reduction, durability, and fatigue resistance are critical. Together, they enable enhanced aircraft performance, improved fuel efficiency, and long-term operational reliability.

"This partnership with Deutsche Aircraft reflects Hexcel's long-standing commitment to supporting innovative, sustainable aerospace programs in Europe," said Lilian Braylé, President Aerospace Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa & Industrial. "By combining advanced materials technology with strong industrial collaboration, we are contributing to the development of next-generation regional aircraft that address efficiency, sustainability, and long-term operational needs."

"We are proud to work alongside Deutsche Aircraft on the D328eco programme," Braylé added, "This partnership brings together advanced composite technologies, industrial expertise, and a resilient supply chain to support an aircraft that is setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability in regional aviation."

The D328eco represents a modernised evolution of the Dornier 328 turboprop, integrating new propulsion systems, state-of-the-art avionics, and optimised aerostructures to reduce environmental impact and lifecycle emissions. The collaboration between Deutsche Aircraft and Hexcel supports certification compliance, industrialisation readiness, and long-term maintainability, aligned with European production and supply-chain requirements.

"The D328eco is a German aircraft programme built on strong industrial partnerships," said Patricia Ferrari, Vice President Supply Chain at Deutsche Aircraft. "Working with Hexcel allows us to combine advanced materials expertise with industrial reliability, supporting our ambition to deliver a highly efficient and sustainable aircraft for regional operators worldwide."

"Long-term trust-based industrial relationships are essential for the success of complex aerospace programmes," added Nico Neumann, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft. "This partnership with Hexcel provides a strong foundation for certification, ramp-up, and series production of the D328eco in Germany and across Europe."

This joint agreement underscores the shared ambition of Deutsche Aircraft and Hexcel to strengthen European aerospace capabilities, reinforce Germany's role as a centre of aerostructures excellence, and contribute to a more sustainable future for regional aviation through close industrial cooperation.