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Deutsche Aircraft will strategize locations for D328eco support centers based on fleet and customer needs.
Deutsche Aircraft has built up a supply chain of well-recognized aerospace suppliers that puts the development and industrialization of its new D328eco turboprop aircraft on solid ground, the company tells Inside MRO.
OEMs have increasingly realized the value of aftermarket services, but the current environment has operators concerned about the high costs of OEM parts. “These days, global pricing trends and inflation-driven effects are surely a challenge for the entire aviation industry,” Deutsche Aircraft Chief Operating Officer Nico Neumann says. “Ultimately, we have a well-experienced supply chain team that is continuously working with our supplier network to maintain our already-competitive pricing, [and] not only for OEM parts.”
Neumann says the launch of the D328eco program has given the company an additional boost in negotiations to help improve the pricing situation even further.
Deutsche Aircraft is developing a digital customer support portal for all D328 operators, and it will be phased in well before the new D328eco aircraft enters service. The first flight is expected in late 2025, Neumann says.
“This portal will provide very easy access to all our D328 support services, with a web shop allowing immediate ordering of spare parts, technical publication downloads, training and simulator booking,” he says.
Integrated payment services will enhance the customer experience and minimize lead times, he anticipates. “Our service and network will be expanded based on customer demands and actual fleet distribution, to support the increasing fleet wherever it is operated,” Neumann says. “These enhancements will provide our operators with around-the-clock support throughout the entire aircraft service life cycle.”
Since March 2020, Deutsche Aircraft has been collaborating with Essen, Germany-based STS to provide simulator training for the D328 turboprop and jet variants and later for the D328eco.
Neumann says the location of D328-eco support centers will be driven by global fleet distribution, and the company will develop support plans in close cooperation with potential operators. “We listen to their pains and issues and will work to cover the daily needs of any operator worldwide,” he adds.
The industry is at a crossroads of integrating digitalization and new technologies for aftermarket services. To provide immediate and competent technical support, Neumann says Deutsche Aircraft plans to introduce augmented reality-based tools.
“Augmented and virtual reality equipment is also under review for enhanced technical and operational training purposes,” he notes. “Furthermore, operational and technical manuals will be provided digitally, with cross-functionalities easing the use of multiple manuals in parallel.”
The development of the D328eco has entered the critical design phase. Deutsche Aircraft is finalizing the aircraft design and expects to start component production and assembly of the first test aircraft later this year.
