A pioneering automated warehouse for one of the most advanced regional aircraft production facilities
Jungheinrich has officially handed over the automated logistics centre at Leipzig/Halle Airport to Deutsche Aircraft. The logistics centre is a key component of Deutsche Aircraft’s industrialisation strategy for the D328eco programme.
- Premiere: First industrial deployment combining the Jungheinrich PowerCube automated compact bin storage system and automated very narrow aisle warehouse (AutoVNA)
- More than 6,500 bin storage locations across 26 levels within just approx. 210 m² of footprint
- Automated material supply supporting the industrialisation and final assembly of the D328eco regional aircraft
- Part of Deutsche Aircraft’s fully digital, carbon-neutral “Factory 4.0” production facility at Leipzig/Halle Airport
Hamburg/Weßling – Jungheinrich has officially handed over the automated logistics centre at Leipzig/Halle Airport to Deutsche Aircraft. The logistics centre is a key component of Deutsche Aircraft’s industrialisation strategy for the D328eco programme, providing the automated material supply required to support future production ramp-up. In a pioneering implementation, the Jungheinrich PowerCube automated compact bin storage system and an automated very narrow aisle warehouse (AutoVNA) operate together under a single control system.
With its “Factory 4.0” at Leipzig/Halle Airport, Deutsche Aircraft has developed a fully digital, paperless final assembly line for regional aircraft, equipped with an integrated automated intralogistics solution. The system provides highly space-efficient storage for thousands of small parts and pallets and is fully integrated into the digital process chain.
To achieve this, Jungheinrich combined the PowerCube automated compact bin storage system and an automated very narrow aisle warehouse (AutoVNA) under one integrated control system. On a footprint of only approximately 210 square meters, the PowerCube automated compact bin storage system accommodates more than 6,500 containers across 26 levels, while the automated very narrow aisle warehouse manages the handling of 624 pallets in two aisles.
Sebastian Böhnl, Vice President Operations & Production at Deutsche Aircraft, said: “As we prepare to ramp up production towards a capacity of up to 48 aircraft per year, the D328eco programme requires a logistics infrastructure that can scale alongside it. The Jungheinrich PowerCube and AutoVNA provide exactly that, ensuring every part is available when it is needed for assembly, all within a significantly smaller footprint than any other solution we evaluated. At the same time, the system provides substantial capacity for future growth.”
Two material flows, one control system
Within the Jungheinrich PowerCube, 16 shuttles move bins between storage locations and five ergonomic workstations. Frequently used components are automatically stored on the lower levels because of their higher throughput, while less frequently accessed parts gradually move to upper levels over time. Components required for assembly are staged in dedicated preparation shafts, enabling rapid access to pre-configured assemblies. The storage area operates in a reduced-oxygen environment to minimize fire risk.
In the very narrow aisle warehouse, two EKX 516ka trucks autonomously store and retrieve Euro pallets. Conveyor technology connects the receiving area, six picking stations, and the shipping area. During transport, every pallet is scanned via barcode and automatically checked for dimensional conformity and weight. For long goods, Jungheinrich also supplied 135 cantilever storage positions serviced by electric forklifts.
All transport movements in both systems are coordinated by a shared Jungheinrich Warehouse Control System.
Dr. Tobias Harzer, Member of the Board for Automation at Jungheinrich, explained the benefits of the combined solution: “The PowerCube maximizes storage density for small parts in the smallest possible space, while the very narrow aisle warehouse keeps pallets with larger components readily available close to production. Each system leverages its respective strengths, and together under a unified control system they create a material supply solution that minimizes space requirements while supporting future production increases. Deutsche Aircraft is the first customer to implement this combination, and certainly will not be the last.”
Ready for production ramp-up
The facility has been designed for two-shift operation and can be expanded to three shifts to support future production ramp-up. At full capacity, between 250 and 350 employees will manufacture up to 48 aircrafts per year at the Leipzig/Halle site, establishing Leipzig/Halle as the industrial centre of excellence for the D328eco programme.
The advanced logistics infrastructure forms a key part of Deutsche Aircraft's industrialisation strategy for the D328eco programme, enabling efficient material flow and scalable production as manufacturing volumes increase.
About Deutsche Aircraft
Deutsche Aircraft is a leading regional aircraft OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) with approximately 550 employees and headquarters in Oberpfaffenhofen, near Munich, Germany. As the type certificate holder and service partner for D328 operators worldwide, supporting both turboprop and jet-powered variants, the company ensures the highest standards of reliability and operational efficiency. In addition, Deutsche Aircraft is developing the D328eco, the most efficient and sustainable regional aircraft in its class. The aircraft offers significantly lower operating and maintenance costs while reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. It is also capable of operating on 100% synthetic fuels (PtL SAF). The D328eco is being manufactured at Leipzig/Halle Airport, home to what is currently the world's most advanced and environmentally sustainable final assembly line for regional aircraft. Officially inaugurated in autumn 2026, the facility is now ramping up production. At full capacity, approximately 250 employees will produce up to 48 aircraft annually in Leipzig/Halle.
Melek Merve Mutlu
Communications Manager
Tel.: +49 8153 88 111 2437
Mobile: +49 152 5130 8264
Mail: pressoffice@deutscheaircraft.com
