Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Deutsche Aircraft has unveiled the first prototype of its D328eco regional airliner. Designated TAC 1, the test aircraft was rolled out on May 28 at the German company’s headquarters at the Airtech Campus in Oberpfaffenhofen.
The D328eco is a modernized version of the 1990s-vintage Dornier 328 commuter aircraft, for which Deutsche Aircraft is the type certificate holder. Aiming to achieve a 95% reduction in carbon emissions compared with the original model, the company is&nbsp;marketing the upgrade to regional airlines and business aviation operators.
The 40-seat aircraft will feature a pair of new Pratt &amp; Whitney PW127XT-S turboprop engines that the company will run on power-to-liquid sustainable aviation fuel. Longer-term plans call for a subsequent transition to hydrogen propulsion, which is being developed in partnership with H2Fly.
According to Deutsche Aircraft, it is now preparing to start flight tests with the TAC 1 aircraft in 2026 as it works towards type certification and service entry during the fourth quarter of 2027. The D328eco will also feature the Garmin Companion flight deck.
More than 500 guests attended the roll-out event in Germany, including representatives of the German federal government and Bavarian state government, as well as industry partners and suppliers, such as <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2021-06-17/gkn-supply-empennage-d328eco">GKN Aerospace</a>.
“This roll-out of our first test aircraft marks a significant achievement in the D328eco program and an important step towards our physical flight test activities,” said Deutsche Aircraft’s co-CEO, Nico Neumann. “This milestone represents our transition from conceptual design to practical testing and industrialization. At Deutsche Aircraft, we are proud to introduce an aircraft with the proven DNA of the Dornier 328, enhanced for better efficiency, reduced emissions, and a superior customer experience, making it an optimal choice for regional operators worldwide.”

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Deutsche Aircraft Rolls Out D328eco Prototype as Flight Testing Approaches

The twin turboprop was unveiled at an event in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany

After rolling out the first test example of its D328eco remake of the Dornier 328 regional airliner, Deutsche Aircraft is preparing to start flight testing.

Deutsche Aircraft Rolls Out First D328eco Regional Prototype 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Operations outpaced expectations in North America with a 4.4% gain

Business Aircraft Activity Heats Up Globally in August

Hanneke Weitering

Center will develop next-generation thermal management systems

TAT Opens FutureWorks Innovation Center in North Carolina

New report believes clean-sheet bizjets may fall into super-midsize or large categories

Report Finds Big Differences in SMS, Large Bizjet Markets

Authorities in Japan have shown encouragement for early plans to launch eVTOL air services. 

In Japan, World Expo Visitors Are Getting Their First Glimpse of New eVTOL Aircraft

Curt Epstein

Nearly 328,000 flights were tops for the month since company began keeping score

WingX: August Bizjet Activity in Record Territory

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

The Guardia di Finanza now has a third Avanti aircraft on order

Italy’s Finance Police Orders Another Piaggio P.180 Avanti

Chad Trautvetter

Digital marketplace seeks to change the way jets are valued, bought, and sold

Aero Ventures Launches Zillow-like Platform for Used Bizjets

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

In this article

Deutsche Aircraft

More In Aircraft