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One could also have written ‘Aircraft manufacturing is back in Saxony’ or something similar; however, in times like these, the author felt that jobs were more important. Nevertheless, the return of aircraft manufacturing to Saxony is remarkable, and not just from a historical perspective. This was also made clear in the remarks made by various figures from the worlds of business and politics.
This is not a sprint; it is a marathon.
Even more impressive than in last year’s simulation: the Deutsche Aircraft production hall in Schkeuditz. Photo: Thomas Köhler
This is how Nico Neumann, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft, put it in his keynote speech when discussing the development of the new D328eco regional aircraft, but the same can be said of the development of the Schkeuditz site. In November 2025, I wrote: “Although it looked as though the project might fail in 2017, the ground-breaking ceremony for Deutsche Aircraft’s new factory took place in May 2023. It is here, near Halle-Leipzig Airport, that the new D328eco regional aircraft is to be built from 2026 onwards. Recruitment for staff is due to begin at the end of 2025, although it is actually already in full swing.”
On 29 September 2026, the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Schkeuditz was officially opened, but the marathon continues.
As of 29 September, only around 25 of the 350 workers – the core team – are on site; the large hangar is still largely empty, and it will probably take about another year before the finish line is reached: the maiden flight of a D28eco built in Leipzig.
The stage is set, and here we go. Nico Neumann, the CEO, delivering his keynote speech. Photo: Thomas Köhler
Aviation in this day and age?
There are all sorts of reasons to debate the necessity of producing new aircraft, but there are good reasons to build them ourselves. Nico Neumann emphasized that manufacturing at this local site is about resilience and sovereignty. “Resilience and sovereignty aren’t something I can simply buy when I need them. Resilience and sovereignty are things I have to build up, things I have to nurture so that I can have them. And I believe that’s exactly where we are right now with German Aircraft. It’s an incredible opportunity to bring the entire aircraft manufacturing process in the CS25 segment back to Germany.”
It may not please everyone, but the D328eco will also find applications in the military sector. As Neumann explained, this is also the case with the predecessor model: “Even today, with our legacy fleet – we can see three aircraft right here on our doorstep – around 30 per cent are in service for multi-mission operations. Whether that flights for Frontex or the aircraft being used by the Special Forces in the US Air Force. This aircraft has the highest operational utilization rate in the entire US Air Force.”
However, it’s not yet in service with the Bundeswehr; Nico Neumann is still campaigning for that. “At the same time, though, I wonder why this aircraft isn’t being used in the multi-mission segment in Germany? I think we need to ask a bit more insistently how we can support German industry with the infrastructure – which we also need in the defence sector – to ensure we make the right procurement decisions.”
The aircraft’s main area of operation, however, is civilian in nature. Nor are any military aircraft manufactured specifically for this purpose; they are simply delivered without cabin fittings.
The ceremony
Naturally, the event began with a keynote speech by Nico Neumann, followed by a video message from Saxony’s Minister-President Michael Kretschmer, and keynote speeches by Christian Hirte from the Federal Ministry of Transport, Dirk Panter, Saxony’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Marie-Christine von Hahn, Chief Executive of the BDLI, and Götz Ahmelmann, CEO of Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG. There was also a panel discussion.
It’s not possible to cover everything that was said there, but we’ve gathered some comments afterwards. Find out more in the video.
The site manager
Sebastian Böhnl heads up Deutsche Aircraft’s new site; his official title is Vice President of Operations & Production at Deutsche Aircraft. During an interview in December, Mr Böhnl mentioned that the first D328eco would be produced here in 2026, so we asked him about this.
The hangar is still relatively empty; the equipment will be installed later. Photo: Thomas Köhler
The workforce
The core team is already on site; they are working on setting up the production facilities and will be responsible for training the newly recruited staff as the project progresses. In December 2025, a Deutsche Aircraft apprentice, Bendix Hitziger – who was still employed at the main plant at the time – took part in our campaign ‘When the people of Leipzig dream’. Bendix is now back in Leipzig, is part of the core team, and we spoke to him.
Conclusion: It will take about another year before the first aircraft can take off from the new site. In any case, Deutsche Aircraft’s final assembly line is a real asset to the Leipzig-Halle region. High-quality jobs are being created, and perhaps other related businesses will follow – who knows?
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