Right-Sized for Africa: The D328eco and the Future of Regional Connectivity

Africa’s aviation landscape is evolving fast. With five of the world’s ten fastest-growing economies and a young mobile population, the continent’s skies are busier than ever. Air travel demand is surging and regional airlines are seeking aircraft that can efficiently connect growing cities, boost trade and reach remote areas where aviation remains the only link.

Enter Deutsche Aircraft’s D328eco® — a next-generation regional turboprop built for modern efficiency and designed with Africa’s operational realities in mind. Combining the fuel economy of a turboprop with the performance of a jet, it offers a strategic solution for the continent’s expanding route networks.

Africa’s Aviation Momentum

According to the African Development Bank, the continent’s GDP will grow by 3.9% in 2025 while air traffic continues to exceed pre-pandemic levels. In 2024, African airlines recorded 2% higher passenger kilometres than in 2019 and a record 74.5% load factor. With annual passenger traffic expected to triple to 345 million by 2043, the need for efficient right-sized aircraft is clear.

Intra-African routes account for 31% of total traffic and domestic travel makes up 37%, creating prime demand for regional aircraft capable of short and medium-haul missions between secondary cities and major hubs.

Designed for African Conditions

Built on the proven Dornier 328 platform, the D328eco® features advanced Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127XT-S engines, a Garmin G5000® PRIME flight deck and the quietest cabin in its class. With a 655 NM range, 40-passenger capacity and short-field performance, it can operate efficiently from smaller or less-developed runways — a crucial advantage across Africa’s diverse terrain.

The aircraft burns 50% less fuel than regional jets and 30% less than older turboprops, reducing both operating costs and environmental impact. “Africa’s regional market is at an inflection point,” says Dave Jackson, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft. “The D328eco® gives airlines the capacity, capability and sustainability to expand regional connectivity.”

Driving Growth and Access

Dependable air links drive economic development. From enabling access to healthcare and education in remote regions to supporting tourism, mining and energy operations, the D328eco® offers more than transport — it’s an enabler of growth.

Its modular design allows operators to easily convert it for cargo, humanitarian or medevac roles, making it a true multi-mission aircraft. Deutsche Aircraft also offers full support through training, maintenance and parts availability backed by a global fleet of over 150 legacy Dornier 328s.

Built for Partnership

As Africa advances toward the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), the D328eco® aligns perfectly with the continent’s drive for greater regional connectivity. Robust, efficient and designed for the realities of African operations, it is more than an aircraft — it’s a partner in Africa’s aviation future.