Deutsche Aircraft and Hexcel Sign a Long-term Composite Partnership
Source:Hexcel  June 16, 2026
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Deutsche Aircraft and Hexcel have announced the signing of an industrial partnership and a long-term supply agreement. Under this agreement, the two companies are committed to working closely together to integrate state-of-the-art composite solutions into the airframe of the D328eco, the latest regional proprietary turboprop aircraft developed by Deutsche Aircraft, which has been designed, certified and industrialised in Europe.

These components, which meet mechanical, weight and environmental requirements, will be incorporated into the aircraft's primary and secondary structures, thereby reducing weight, improving durability and increasing fatigue resistance.

"We are proud to work alongside Deutsche Aircraft on the D328eco programme," said Lilian Braylé, President Aerospace Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa & Industrial. "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."

The D328eco is a modernised version of the Dornier 328 turboprop: it incorporates new propulsion systems, state-of-the-art avionics and optimised airframe structures that reduce environmental impact and emissions throughout the aircraft's lifecycle. The partnership between Deutsche Aircraft and Hexcel focuses on compliance with certification standards, readiness for industrialisation and long-term maintainability – three aspects that meet European requirements for production and supply chain.

"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."

The partnership between Deutsche Aircraft and Hexcel reflects their shared commitment to strengthening Europe's aerospace capabilities, consolidating Germany's role as a centre of excellence in the field of aircraft structures and working towards a more sustainable future for regional aviation.