Regional aircraft are to be built at Leipzig/Halle Airport in future. The foundation stone for the final assembly line for the D328 Eco regional aircraft was laid on a site measuring around eight soccer pitches, as announced by aircraft manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft. According to the plan, construction should be completed by the end of 2025 so that final assembly can start in 2026. The first aircraft is scheduled to be handed over in 2027. According to the company, the investment sum amounts to around 100 million euros.
According to the manufacturer, the D328 Eco is a more sustainable further development of the Dornier 328 built in the early 1990s. "We are bringing the development of a regional aircraft based on Dornier's DNA back to Germany in its entirety," said Nico Neumann, Co-CEO of Deutsche Aircraft.
Up to 48 aircraft to be produced annually
The new final assembly line is expected to create up to 350 jobs in the region and produce up to 48 aircraft per year. "With the production line for which we are laying the foundation stone today, our airport will become a beacon for sustainable aviation in Germany," said Götz Ahmelmann, CEO of Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG.
Kretschmer: Good for the business location
In addition to the final assembly line, a logistics center, a commissioning hangar and an administration building are to be built on the site. For Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer, the investment in Saxony at Leipzig/Halle Airport is a strong signal and good for the business location. "It is associated with many attractive jobs and further added value in the region. At the same time, our entire aerospace industry will be strengthened," emphasized the CDU politician.
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