Aernnova to supply composite empennage for D328eco
With selection of this global aerocomposite structures company, Deutsche Aircraft has secured production for all primary structures and proceeds toward EIS in 2027.
Source | Deutsche Aircraft
(Wessling, Germany) is developing the next generation of regional aircraft with the , a 40-seat, hybrid turboprop. Designed to run on up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the D328eco is projected to have a 30% lower fuel burn per seat than older aircraft.
Established on the legacy of , Deutsche Aircraft also supports the global fleet of D328 aircraft. Manufactured in the 1990s and early 2000s, the D328 is certified in 85 countries and still operated by major airlines with a global fleet of more than 150 in-service aircraft.
(Álava, Spain), a global composite and metallic aerostructures company (see CW’s plant tour), will deliver build-to-print assemblies for the empennage which includes the horizontal and vertical stabilizer made using advanced composites and a metallic tail cone.
“With more than 30 years of expertise in developing and producing composite aircraft structures, we are proud to contribute to the D328eco program,” says Ricardo Chocarro, CEO of Aernnova. “We value this new partnership with Deutsche Aircraft and the opportunity to support a next-generation regional aircraft that combines versatility with an innovative design.”
The empennage assembly is a critical structural component of the D328eco, contributing to aerodynamic performance and flight stability. Aernnova’s expertise in both composite and metallic aerostructures makes it a natural fit for this role.
“Welcoming Aernnova to the D328eco program is a significant step forward,” notes Nico Neumann,CEO of Deutsche Aircraft. “With this agreement, we have now secured 100% of our primary structure suppliers — an important milestone as we move from development into industrialization.”
With this partnership between Deutsche Aircraft and Aernnova, all primary structure partners for serial production have been secured. Composites will also be used in the D328eco’s fairings, landing gear doors and flight control movables, which will be produced by (Burgos, Spain). Construction of Deutsche Aircraft’s 62,000-square-meter final assembly facility began in 2023 and will have capacity for 48 D328eco aircraft per year. The aircraft development program is positioned to advance through its next phases, aiming for entry into service in Q4 2027.
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