Deutsche Aircraft and Senior plc Partner on Sustainable D328eco Turboprop

2 months ago Editor

Deutsche Aircraft has joined forces with Senior plc to develop and manufacture key systems for the D328eco, the most advanced and sustainable 40-seater regional turboprop. The collaboration was announced at the Farnborough International Airshow, marking a significant step toward greener aviation.

Deutsche Aircraft and Senior plc have taken a major step forward in advancing sustainable aviation by signing a comprehensive contract at the Farnborough International Airshow. This agreement includes the design, development, and production of the Bleed Air System and the Engine Build Up (EBU) system for Deutsche Aircraft’s innovative D328eco regional turboprop.

With this partnership, Senior Aerospace’s EBU system will create a seamless interface between the state-of-the-art PW127XT-S engines and the D328eco aircraft, a new 40-seater that promises to be the most energy-efficient and cost-effective turboprop in its class. Building on the legacy of the in-service D328® model, the D328eco is set to feature advanced cockpit capabilities, a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)-compatible airframe, and highly efficient engines.

Both companies have underscored their commitment to sustainability and their role in decarbonizing the aerospace industry. Deutsche Aircraft aims to lead the sector with the development of the first fully carbon-neutral aircraft final assembly line at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany. Meanwhile, Senior has earned top-tier ratings from CDP for its environmental disclosures and supplier engagement efforts in 2022 and 2023.

The initial design phase will be managed at Senior’s SSP facility in Burbank, California, while manufacturing will take place at the Senior Bird Bellows facility in Congleton, Cheshire, UK. Deutsche Aircraft’s new final assembly line will be situated at Leipzig/Halle Airport.

Dave Jackson, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft, expressed optimism about the collaboration, highlighting the technological and sustainability milestones set to be achieved with Senior’s support. Launie Fleming, CEO of Senior Aerospace, emphasized the significance of this partnership as a step toward engineering a more sustainable future in the aerospace sector.