Deutsche Aircraft and Hexcel Announce Long‑Term Composite Partnership

The agreement was signed at the ILA Berlin Air Show at the BDLI Pavilion highlighting the events role as a major platform for Germanys aerospace industry, and Europes wider aviation ecosystem. The partnership reflect's a shared focus on long term cooperation stronger industrial capabilities and advancing technology with-in Europe.

Under the agreement Hexcel, and Deutsche Aircraft will work together to integrate advanced composite materials into the D328eco aircraft structure. These materials are designed to meet strict requirements for strength, weight and environmental performance, supporting both efficiency, and sustainability goals.

The composites will be used in both primary and secondary aircraft structures, where reducing weight and ensuring durability are especially important. This helps improve aircraft performance, fuel efficiency, and long-term reliability.

The D328eco is an upgraded version of the Dornier 328 turboprop, featuring modern engines, advanced avionics and improved aircraft structures designed to lower emissions, and reduce environmental impact over its lifecycle.

The partnership between Deutsche Aircraft and Hexcel also supports certification, manufacturing readiness, and long-term maintenance, in line with European production and supply chain standards.

This agreement highlights the shared goal of Deutsche Aircraft and Hexcel to strengthen Europe’s aerospace industry and support Germany’s position as a leader in aircraft structures. It also reflects their commitment to making regional aviation more sustainable through close industrial collaboration.

“The D328eco® is a German aircraft programme built on strong industrial partnerships,” said Patricia Ferrari, Vice President Supply Chain at Deutsche Aircraft. Working with Hexcel allows us to combine advanced materials expertise with industrial reliability, supporting our ambition to deliver a highly efficient, and sustainable aircraft for regional operators worldwide.”

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“Long term trust‑based industrial relationships are essential for the success of complex aerospace programmes,” added Nico Neumann, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft. “This partnership with Hexcel provides a strong foundation for certification, ramp up and series production of the D328eco in Germany and across Europe.”

“This partnership with Deutsche Aircraft reflects Hexcels long standing commitment to supporting innovative, sustainable aerospace programs in Europe,” said Lilian Braylé, President Aerospace Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East Africa & Industrial. By combining advanced materials technology with strong industrial collaboration, we are contributing to the development of next generation regional aircraft that address efficiency, sustainability and long term operational needs.”

“We are proud to work alongside Deutsche Aircraft on the D328eco program,” Braylé added. This partnership brings together advanced composite technologies, industrial expertise and a resilient supply chain to support an aircraft that is setting new standards for efficiency, and sustainability in regional aviation.”

About Deutsche Aircraft

Founded in 2020, Deutsche Aircraft is a German regional aircraft manufacturer that builds on the Dornier legacy to develop modern and sustainable aviation solutions. The company is currently developing the D328eco, a next generation 40 seat turboprop designed to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and lower operating costs for regional airlines.

About Hexcel

Founded in 1948, Hexcel Corporation is a global leader in advanced lightweight composite materials. The company develops high performance solutions that are lighter, stronger and more efficient, helping improve how people, and industries move and operate. Its product range includes carbon fiber, reinforcements, prepregs, resin systems, honeycomb materials, and engineered composite structures. These materials are used across commercial aerospace, defense, space and industrial applications.

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