General Atomics AeroTec Systems (GA-ATS) has completed the first flight of its Do228 NXT demonstrator aircraft, almost 45 years after the maiden flight of the original Do228 programme.

The flight took place on May 2 and represents a major milestone for the upgraded twin-turboprop aircraft and for renewed aircraft production activity at the company’s Oberpfaffenhofen site in Germany.

GA-ATS says the programme follows years of work after the General Atomics Group acquired the facility around five years ago, established a production line and rebuilt supplier and partner networks to restart Do228 manufacturing.

Martina Hierle, test pilot and programme manager at GA-ATS, says: “Taking the Do228 NXT into the air for the first time was an extraordinary experience.

“The aircraft performed flawlessly. You can immediately sense what this aircraft is capable of and that the Do228 NXT is ready for demanding missions around the world.

“This successful first flight is the result of incredible dedication and hard work from the entire team - and it proves that every effort was absolutely worth it. With the Do228 NXT, we now have a modern aircraft that carries the legacy of the Do228 into the future.”

Additional production test flights are planned over the coming weeks to assess flight characteristics across different operational conditions, including altitude, speed, take-off and landing scenarios.

Craig Simpson, managing director at GA-ATS, says: “The first flight of the NXT demonstrator is the culmination of years of dedicated work across all departments. It is a true reflection of the expertise and commitment of our entire team in Oberpfaffenhofen - and a moment we are all incredibly proud of.”

Additional production test flights are planned over the coming weeks to assess flight characteristics across different operational conditions, including altitude, speed, take-off and landing scenarios.

GA-ATS plans to officially unveil the aircraft during summer 2026 before displaying it at several industry events, including ILA Berlin in June and the Farnborough International Airshow in July.