Despite falling domestic flights, a factory for a new regional aircraft is being built at Leipzig/Halle Airport. The manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft believes that smaller and more economical aircraft can make connections more economical again. Modern regional aircraft "could bring about a renaissance in transportation", says aviation expert Hartmut Fricke from the Technical University of Dresden.
Smaller aircraft for short routes
The D328eco is a turboprop aircraft for around 40 passengers that consumes significantly less fuel on short routes than large jets. Smaller aircraft are more economical there, says site manager Sebastian Böhnl: "The demand for regional aircraft is there."
Before the coronavirus pandemic, Leipzig/Halle had significantly more domestic German connections - a segment that has only recovered slowly. Smaller aircraft could make such routes profitable again, also as feeder flights to international hubs.
