The construction application for Deutsche Aircraft's final assembly line (FAL) for the D328eco at Leipzig/Halle airport has been delivered to the Saxony building authorities in Germany. Approval is expected in December and the groundbreaking event is planned for the second half of 2022.

The company intends to build a carbon neutral production line and to create future building proofs that integrate economic efficiency and minimise the FAL's environmental impact.

Deutsche Aircraft VP operations and programmes Nico Neumann says: “Establishing a state-of-the-art final assembly line for the D328eco in Germany is key to the development of our programme. We believe in reducing our environmental impact at every step in the aircraft design process, and this includes rethinking our production processes and building the right facility. The collaboration with Leipzig/Halle airport will allow us to build on an ideal location in the centre of Germany and utilise the airport's extensive aerospace experience. Furthermore, we are proud to contribute to boosting the region's economy.”

With construction of the FAL in Leipzig, Deutsche Aircraft will be an active participant in the revitalisation of the region's economy by creating around 300 new jobs and helping develop Saxony's aerospace industry capabilities. Vital to achieving this objective is support from the 'Improvement of the Regional Economic Structure’ development programme by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, the central instrument of regional economic policy in Germany since 1969.

Saxony's Minister of Economic Affairs Martin Dulig added: "Since Germany's reunification, the State of Saxony has invested around 1.5 billion euros in the expansion of Leipzig/Halle airport, creating ideal conditions for further settlements. Companies can draw on a high level of aerospace expertise in Saxony. Around 160 companies and research institutions with more than 7,000 employees are active in its aerospace sector. The establishment of the aircraft production line in Leipzig/Halle will radiate beyond Saxony and give a boost to the German aviation industry.”