- Akkodis and Deutsche Aircraft yesterday announced a strategic partnership that makes Akkodis a first-tier supplier for the D328eco, aimed at strengthening German regional aircraft development through digital engineering and emission-reducing technologies.
- The tie-up brings Akkodis’ model-based systems engineering, digital thread, simulation, test automation, and certification support—plus SAF/hydrogen readiness—to accelerate systems integration and flight-test preparation while de-risking compliance.
- For Deutsche Aircraft, this accelerates progress towards a first flight in mid-2026 and EIS in 2027, strengthens Germany’s aerospace supply chain, and positions Europe to take the lead in next-generation, lower-emission regional aviation.
Akkodis and Deutsche Aircraft have signed a cooperation agreement, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership. The goal is to significantly advance the development and production of innovative regional aircraft in Germany, with a focus on technological excellence and strengthening the local aerospace ecosystem.
Under the agreement, Akkodis will become a first-tier supplier, playing a central role in Deutsche Aircraft’s supply chain. As a global digital engineering consulting company, Akkodis brings expertise in aircraft system development and specialised engineering to support Deutsche Aircraft in achieving its key programme milestones.
The company will manage the entire development process, from defining requirements and integrating complex systems to testing on the ground and in flight, and ultimately to final certification of the new aircraft. In addition, its Aerospace & Defence division contributes capabilities in digital modelling and simulation, advanced materials and preparations for alternative propulsion systems such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and hydrogen.
“This agreement reinforces our diversification strategy and strengthens our role in the aerospace industry,” says Dr. Peter Mehrle, CEO of Akkodis Germany. “Together with Deutsche Aircraft, we are demonstrating Europe’s industrial capability and innovative power. By combining their expertise with our digital engineering know-how, we are driving regional aircraft development that is made in Germany and positioning Europe as a leader in sustainable aviation.”
Over the years, Akkodis has proven to be a reliable partner through its technological competence, proactive solutions and ability to mobilise global resources. Akkodis will leverage digital development methods that enable faster, more efficient and lower-emission aircraft development.
Both companies view the partnership as a long-term commitment that goes beyond traditional project collaboration, driven by a shared ambition to make regional aircraft more efficient, lower-emission and future-ready from a European base.
“For us, this cooperation is about translating engineering expertise into real progress,” explains Reiner Oldewurtel, Vice President Akkodis Germany AS&D GmbH. “Through close collaboration with Deutsche Aircraft, we are contributing to faster system integration, more efficient testing and smoother certification – always guided by quality, passion and forward thinking.”
Advancing the program
The timing of this agreement is significant. Deutsche Aircraft’s 40-seat D328eco program is progressing toward first flight in mid-2026 and entry into service by 2027.
Having rolled out its first test aircraft earlier this year, the manufacturer is now entering the complex phase of systems integration and certification—areas where digital engineering is crucial to avoid delays.
By joining as a first-tier supplier, Akkodis assumes accountability across multiple development steps, helping Deutsche Aircraft compress risk during a critical phase.
“The partnership with Akkodis is a significant step in our mission to develop the next generation of regional aircraft. We are committed to digital excellence and emission-reducing technologies to actively shape the future of aviation from Germany, for Europe and beyond,” emphasises Nico Neumann, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft.
Akkodis’ core strengths
Akkodis brings proven expertise in model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and digital thread approaches, linking requirements, design models, hardware and software throughout the entire development lifecycle. By integrating these stages with simulation and verification tools, the company helps reduce rework, improve traceability, and generate the compliance evidence needed to support aircraft certification with regulators such as EASA.
The company has also been rated a Leader by ISG in its Provider Lens Aerospace & Defense Services 2025 report, notably in the categories of Engineering Design & Innovation, MRO & Aftermarket (Europe), and Technology Transformation & Consulting. These credentials position Akkodis not only as a design partner but also as a lifecycle enabler, supporting operators once the aircraft enters service.
Its recently launched “Akkodis Intelligence” initiative underlines a human-centred and AI-enabled approach to engineering. For Deutsche Aircraft, this could mean applying predictive data models during flight testing, streamlining test data analysis, and anticipating certification hurdles.
Why Deutsche Aircraft stands to gain
Deutsche Aircraft has already confirmed Garmin’s modern flight deck and Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW127XT-S engines for the D328eco, designed for 100% SAF compatibility. Integrating these systems requires extensive ground and flight testing, as well as SAF validation. Akkodis’ digital modelling tools and global engineering pool can accelerate integration, enhance SAF performance modelling, and generate the necessary compliance documentation for CS-25 certification.
Beyond engineering, the collaboration strengthens Germany’s aerospace ecosystem. Deutsche Aircraft has been consolidating a local supplier base, but with Akkodis’ global reach—50,000 engineers across 30 countries—it now gains both scale and specialised capabilities that can be deployed at Oberpfaffenhofen and Weßling when bottlenecks arise.
Looking ahead
As the D328eco moves toward power-on and ground runs in 2026, observers will closely monitor the progress of avionics integration, SAF fuel system maturity, and certification audits. With Akkodis positioned as a key integrator, the programme may not only meet schedule but also deliver on its promise of lower emissions and operating costs. For Europe, the partnership is more than an OEM–supplier arrangement—it is a statement of intent to lead in sustainable regional aviation from a strong German base.
Also Read: Deutsche Aircraft Unveils New Garmin G5000 PRIME Flight Deck for the D328eco
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