Deutsche Aircraft Appoints Ernst-Georg Schröder as Final Assembly Line Manager

Leipzig, Germany, 25 November 2025 – Deutsche Aircraft is pleased to announce the appointment of Ernst-Georg Schröder as Manager of the Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the D328eco® at Leipzig/Halle Airport.

Ernst-Georg brings over 25 years of experience in aerospace production and operations, with a track record in leading complex assembly and maintenance environments. Prior to joining Deutsche Aircraft, he held senior leadership roles at Rolls-Royce Deutschland, where he managed large-scale operations, including OEM assembly and MRO activities for business jets and commercial engines. His expertise spans lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies ensuring continuous improvement, operational excellence and on-time delivery.

In his new role, Ernst-Georg will oversee the setup and ramp-up of the D328eco Final Assembly Line, driving efficiency and quality as Deutsche Aircraft advances its next-generation regional aircraft programme.

“I am excited to join Deutsche Aircraft at such a pivotal moment,” reflected Ernst-Georg Schröder. “The D328eco represents a significant step forward for sustainable aviation and I look forward to contributing to its successful production.”

Sebastian Böhnl, Leipzig Site Manager, commented, “Ernst-Georg’s extensive experience in engine assembly and operational leadership will be invaluable as we transition from construction to full-scale production. His expertise will help us establish a world-class assembly line for the D328eco in Leipzig.”

Olaf Lawrenz, Chief Operating Officer at Deutsche Aircraft, added, “The Final Assembly Line is the heart of our manufacturing operations. Ernst-Georg’s proven ability to lead large teams and implement best-in-class processes will ensure we meet our ambitious targets for quality, efficiency and sustainability.”

This appointment comes shortly after Deutsche Aircraft celebrated the Richtfest (topping-out ceremony) for its Final Assembly Line—a major milestone in the industrialisation of the D328eco. The facility, located on a 60,500m² site, is designed to be carbon-neutral and fully digital, featuring automated transport systems, energy-efficient tools and augmented reality integration. With an annual production capacity of up to 48 aircraft, the site will create 250–350 highly skilled jobs and reinforce Leipzig’s role as a strategic aviation hub in Europe. Deutsche Aircraft has invested €100 million into this project, underscoring its commitment to sustainable manufacturing and innovation.

Ernst-Georg holds a Diplom-Ingenieur degree in Management and Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Berlin. Beyond his professional responsibilities, he is an avid marathon runner and a licensed private pilot.

For media enquiries, please contact pressoffice@deutscheaircraft.com

No items found.

Building the future of flight

Deutsche Aircraft Appoints Ernst-Georg Schröder as Final Assembly Line Manager

November 25, 2025
Deutsche Aircraft Appoints Ernst-Georg Schröder as Final Assembly Line Manager

Leipzig, Germany, 25 November 2025 – Deutsche Aircraft is pleased to announce the appointment of Ernst-Georg Schröder as Manager of the Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the D328eco® at Leipzig/Halle Airport.

Ernst-Georg brings over 25 years of experience in aerospace production and operations, with a track record in leading complex assembly and maintenance environments. Prior to joining Deutsche Aircraft, he held senior leadership roles at Rolls-Royce Deutschland, where he managed large-scale operations, including OEM assembly and MRO activities for business jets and commercial engines. His expertise spans lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies ensuring continuous improvement, operational excellence and on-time delivery.

In his new role, Ernst-Georg will oversee the setup and ramp-up of the D328eco Final Assembly Line, driving efficiency and quality as Deutsche Aircraft advances its next-generation regional aircraft programme.

“I am excited to join Deutsche Aircraft at such a pivotal moment,” reflected Ernst-Georg Schröder. “The D328eco represents a significant step forward for sustainable aviation and I look forward to contributing to its successful production.”

Sebastian Böhnl, Leipzig Site Manager, commented, “Ernst-Georg’s extensive experience in engine assembly and operational leadership will be invaluable as we transition from construction to full-scale production. His expertise will help us establish a world-class assembly line for the D328eco in Leipzig.”

Olaf Lawrenz, Chief Operating Officer at Deutsche Aircraft, added, “The Final Assembly Line is the heart of our manufacturing operations. Ernst-Georg’s proven ability to lead large teams and implement best-in-class processes will ensure we meet our ambitious targets for quality, efficiency and sustainability.”

This appointment comes shortly after Deutsche Aircraft celebrated the Richtfest (topping-out ceremony) for its Final Assembly Line—a major milestone in the industrialisation of the D328eco. The facility, located on a 60,500m² site, is designed to be carbon-neutral and fully digital, featuring automated transport systems, energy-efficient tools and augmented reality integration. With an annual production capacity of up to 48 aircraft, the site will create 250–350 highly skilled jobs and reinforce Leipzig’s role as a strategic aviation hub in Europe. Deutsche Aircraft has invested €100 million into this project, underscoring its commitment to sustainable manufacturing and innovation.

Ernst-Georg holds a Diplom-Ingenieur degree in Management and Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Berlin. Beyond his professional responsibilities, he is an avid marathon runner and a licensed private pilot.

About the data:
- Source: Cirium
- Schedules data: full year 2019 vs. 2020 – excludes non-scheduled flying
- In-service data:
- For 2019 the data is dated April while for 2020 it’s dated October. We wanted to compare “shoulder month” to shoulder month, however April 2020 wouldn’t have captured the immediate impact of Coronavirus as our dataset classes aircraft as in storage after 3 months of inactivity.

DA Aviation Ecosystem Review

We are proud to present, “Aviation Ecosystem Review 2020.”
Based on market research surrounding our vision of building a sustainable future for aviation, this report provides insight into how we see Deutsche Aircraft fitting into the everchanging aviation environment.

Download the report for free here.

Access Review

Welcome: New Leadership Onboard

Nico Neumann Deutsche Aircraft

Nico’s responsibilities as Vice President of Operations & Programs include development of aircraft production programs, maintenance, overall quality management and ensuring infrastructure and knowledge are in place to meet future needs.

Read more

As Director of Supply Chain, Maximilian’s role is to lead development and growth of all supply chain activities under a consolidated strategy.

Read more

DA Latest News in a Nutshell

New talent appointed to strengthen the Deutsche aircraft programme

As part of its continued support of Deutsche Aircraft’s D328eco aircraft programme, 328 Support Services GmbH recently appointed a panel of “talent experts” to further strengthen the overall team and ensure strong management structure and processes are in place across the D328eco development programme. Today we focus on the Engineering & Programme departments.

On the programme side, Mr. Peter Spyrka has been appointed Director of Programmes. Peter brings over 20 years’ experience in the global aerospace industry with engineering & development works on both civil and military aircraft programmes. Prior to joining Deutsche Aircraft, Peter worked at Airbus, leading the Hybrid Electric Propulsion System development programme for demonstrator projects. He also worked for Fairchild Dornier back in the late 1990’s.

In Engineering, Mr. Jean-Damien Mazeau has been appointed as our new Head of Propulsion Systems. Jean-Damien also brings more than 20 years’ aeronautical experience to Deutsche Aircraft, having built most of his career at Airbus. He was most recently involved with the A320neo’s entry into service, in charge of propulsion system’s global technical Support.

Last but not least, Dr. Stefan Brunner brings more than two decades of expertise and experience to his position as Head of Airframe. Throughout his career, Stefan spent more than 17 years working directly for the Airbus group where he was heavily involved with a wide variety of major engineering programmes on both commercial aviation and defence & space programmes. In his new role, Stefan will be responsible for design, analysis and modification of the D328eco airframe’s primary structure (Fuselage, Fairings, Wing, Empennage), as well as establishing new processes and procedures to complete aircraft development. Finally, he is responsible for ensuring compliance with the European Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulations.

In addition to Peter, Jean Damien and Stefan, we are also proud to announce that we have been busy hiring new talent from not only within Germany, but from all over the world. Coming from a variety of companies within the aerospace industry, we look forward to utilising our new team members’ skills and expertise to achieve the entry into service scheduled for 2025.

All are great assets to the current Engineering & Programme team and will, without a doubt, help support Deutsche Aircraft’s development programme over the coming years.

Deutsche Aircraft Aviation Ecosystem Review 2020 Download

Aviation Ecosystem Review 2020

Download the report for free here.

Thank you! A link to the report has been emailed to you.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please try again.
Deutsche Aircraft Aviation Ecosystem Review 2020 Download

ESG in Aviation 2022

Download the report for free here.

Thank you! A link to the report has been emailed to you.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please try again.