Deutsche Aircraft announces German operator Private Wings as the first launch customer for its D328eco regional aircraft. 

Private Wings signed a letter of intent (LOI) for five units of the 40-seater turboprop, which is a modernized and stretched version of the Dornier 328 aircraft, an aircraft type that has been in service since the 1990s in both turboprop and jet versions.  

German manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft is a subsidiary of American aerospace firm Sierra Nevada corporation, which is the latest owner of Fairchild Dornier’s assets.  

While the D328eco is fitted with conventional engines, it has been designed to minimize its environmental footprint and, according to the manufacturer, it can operate using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).  

Aside from their marketing value, these environmental credentials are an increasingly important consideration for aircraft manufacturers, as short-haul flying has come under public and government scrutiny.  

Private Wings specializes in flying on-demand charters for corporate customers and sports teams. It already operates nine Dornier 328 turboprops and one in its jet version (called Do328JET) in addition to a Beech 1900D. 

The deal was announced at the groundbreaking of Deutsche Aircraft new final Assembly Line in Leipzig, where the D328eco will be manufactured.