Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) is expanding their fleet with the order of three twin-engine DA42-VI aircraft and the corresponding flight simulator from Austria-based Diamond Aircraft Industries. The order is valued at €4.0 million at list prices.
On Thursday (March 23, 2023), Emirates announced that Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) has ordered three twin-engine DA42-VI aircraft and the corresponding flight simulator from Diamond Aircraft Industries. Austria-based Diamond is a leading manufacturer of general aviation aircraft. The deal is valued at €4.0 million at list prices. The AUSTRO jet-fuel powered aircraft is slated to be EFTA’s flagship, ushering in multi-engine piston (MEP) training. The 4-seat DA42-VI is the newest version of Diamond’s technology leading light piston twin engine aircraft, and the first GA piston aircraft to combine modern technology airframe, avionics and power plants.
In Thursday’s announcement, Emirates Flight Training Academy’s Vice President, Captain Abdulla Al Hammadi, said,
“Our new fleet from Diamond Aircraft is part of our larger strategic intent for our cadet programme. It helps us design a bridging MEP programme for cadets to gain more flying experience while progressing from a single engine to a light jet aircraft. It strengthens our offering and makes it more unique, rounded and robust. Our cadets will benefit hugely as they gain experience on three different types of aircraft, even before they’re licensed. The new fleet also helps us go above and beyond on complying with the new GCAA guidelines. The DA42-VI is reliable, eco-friendly and a practical platform for MEP training. We’re confident we’ve made the right choice.”
Also commenting on the aircraft order, Diamond Aircraft Austria’s CEO, Liqun ‘Frank’ Zhang, added,
“We are thrilled that our DA42-VI is the choice for Emirates’ flight training. This, once again, solidifies the aircraft’s position as the industry leading multi-engine piston trainer. With Emirates we are adding another premier flight academy to our long list of renowned training operators and are looking forward to support them with the most advanced and eco-friendly aircraft available on the market today.”
The DA42-VI has been designed to make transitioning from single to twin engine easier. The aircraft delivers fuel savings by up to 50 percent compared to conventional AVGAS powered twins, and features a panoramic canopy that provides excellent visibility during all flight maneuvers. Since being introduced, over 1,100 DA42 aircraft have been delivered, outselling all other certified piston twins combined. The all-composite DA42-VI is powered by efficient, quiet, clean and reliable 168hp jet fuel Austro engines AE300, and features a Garmin G1000 NXi with 3-axis Automatic Flight Control System, and optional electrically driven air conditioning.
Source: Emirates