Wessling, Germany, 2 April 2026 – Deutsche Aircraft has appointed Wolfgang Kuhl as Vice President Programs & Innovation, strengthening the company’s leadership as the D328eco® enters its critical development phase.
Kuhl brings a proven track record from within Deutsche Aircraft. As Director Program D328eco since 2023, he guided the aircraft through key design and industrialisation milestones, advanced the re‑industrialisation of the Dornier 328 platform, and reinforced the programme’s technical and business foundations.
Prior to joining Deutsche Aircraft, Kuhl held senior roles at Airbus Defence and Space, including key contributions to a major multinational UAV defence programme. His expertise in complex aerospace delivery will underpin his expanded remit. In his new role, Kuhl will oversee the full programme portfolio and drive the company’s product roadmap — with a focus on maturing the D328eco, strengthening multi‑role capabilities and expanding the platform’s footprint in defence‑related applications.
“I’m pleased to step into the role of Vice President Programs & Innovation at Deutsche Aircraft,” said Wolfgang Kuhl. “Building on my experience leading the D328eco, I look forward to taking on broader responsibilities and continuing to drive innovative and resilient aviation solutions. A key priority will be strengthening our multi‑role capabilities in the field of defence applications to meet the needs of our volatile world. I am grateful for the trust placed in me at this decisive phase of the D328eco.”
“Wolfgang has played a crucial role in advancing the D328eco and shaping Deutsche Aircraft as an OEM,” said Nico Neumann, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft. “His expertise will now also support the development of the D328MR for defence and multi‑role use, integrating advanced technologies, driving sustainability initiatives, and strengthening our product strategy. We welcome him to the Executive Leadership Team and are confident that his vision will support our growth in civil and defence aviation while accelerating the development of climate‑friendly, next‑generation regional aircraft.”
Driving the Next Phase of Regional Aviation
In this expanded role, Kuhl will lead the integration of advanced technologies into future platforms, drive cross‑company innovation initiatives and secure partnerships to strengthen the position of the company as a key provider of multi-role platforms, both today and tomorrow. Deutsche Aircraft remains committed to supporting the global Dornier 328 fleet while accelerating the development of climate‑friendly, next‑generation regional aircraft.
About Deutsche Aircraft
Deutsche Aircraft is a German manufacturer of regional aircraft, building on the Dornier legacy to develop modern, efficient and sustainable aviation solutions. The company is advancing the D328eco, a next‑generation 40‑seat turboprop designed to offer significantly improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and enhanced operating economics for regional airlines.
As the type certificate holder for the existing Dornier 328 turboprop and jet fleet, Deutsche Aircraft combines long‑standing technical expertise with ongoing innovation. The industrialization of the D328eco is centered at the company’s new carbon‑neutral, fully digital final assembly line in Leipzig/Halle, a facility designed to produce up to 48 aircraft per year and create 250–350 highly skilled jobs.
The site is underway in 2026, and full production readiness is planned to be achieved in early 2027. The D328eco will progress through its flight test campaign beginning with the first flight in 2026, with entry into service planned for Q4 2027.
DO 328 eco Planned Development Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
| 2023 | Wolfgang Kuhl appointed Director of D328eco Program; key design and industrialisation milestones achieved |
| 2026 | First flight campaign scheduled; continued industrialisation at Leipzig/Halle digital, carbon-neutral assembly line |
| Early 2027 | Full production readiness expected; site capable of 48 aircraft per year |
| Q4 2027 | Planned entry into service (EIS) for commercial operations |
Production & Assembly
· Location: Leipzig/Halle, Germany
· Capacity: Up to 48 aircraft/year
· Employment impact: 250–350 highly skilled jobs
· Industrial focus: Digital assembly line, sustainability (carbon-neutral operations)
Strategic Outlook
· Supports global Dornier 328 fleet
· Expands multi-role capabilities for civil and defence markets
· Combines proven technical expertise with innovation for climate-friendly regional aviation
Source: Deutsche Aircraft
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