Pratt & Whitney Canada and Deutsche Aircraft have delivered the first PW127XT-S development engines to Deutsche Aircraft's headquarters in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. These engines will power the D328eco’s first test aircraft, TAC1, representing a key milestone on the path toward entry into service in 2027.

The PW127XT-S, part of Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW100 engine family, is the latest variant to support regional turboprop operations. The engine series has accumulated over 208 million flying hours, of which more than 400,000 have been flown by PW127XT models. Pratt & Whitney is an RTX business.

The D328eco will offer up to 14 per cent lower fuel consumption per seat than the original Dornier 328, alongside 25 per cent more passenger capacity and updated avionics.

“The PW127XT-S builds on our decades of experience in turboprop propulsion and incorporates the latest innovations to enable industry-leading fuel efficiency and time on wing,” says Scott McElvaine, vice president, Sales and Marketing, Pratt & Whitney Canada.

“With the improved performance of Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW127XT-S engines, the D328eco will deliver a modern, versatile, and fuel-efficient solution for regional air transport,” adds Deutsche Aircraft CEO Nico Neumann.

Both companies are continuing to test synthetic aviation fuels and intend for the PW127XT-S and D328eco to be compatible with 100 per cent SAF, including drop-in fuel options.