The new single-engine DA40 NG aircraft are the first of four that Diamond will provide Skywings in 2024, adding to the four Diamond aircraft already in the flight school’s fleet. The aircraft will be used to train future airline pilots at Skywings’ bases in Antwerp, Belgium, and Alicante, Spain.
Skywings also installed a new, convertible DA40/42 FNPT II simulator at their Antwerp Airport campus earlier this year.
“We have chosen to operate a full Diamond fleet because of their unmatched reliability and cutting-edge technology, which is critical for training the next generation of airline pilots,” said Pieter Brantegem, Chief Commercial Officer at Skywings.
“The low fuel consumption is an important factor in our commitment to efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, the seamless transition between the simulator, single-engine, and twin-engine variants enables our students to develop the skills needed for a smooth progression throughout their training journey,” continued Brantegem.
The four-seat, single-engine Diamond DA40 NG is a leading choice for flight schools worldwide. Powered by an Austro Engine AE 300 turbocharged diesel engine with 168 hp and an EECU single lever control system, the aircraft runs on Jet A-1, making it cost-efficient and sustainable.
Diamond Aircraft also specializes in manufacturing state-of-the-art flight simulation training devices (FSTDs) for the flight training market, such as the convertible FNPT II now in use at Skywings Flight Training. Diamond constructs its FSTDs with predominantly original aircraft parts – including an original Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite – to achieve an authentic cockpit environment.
“Diamond Aircraft is proud to help Skywings Flight Training fulfill its mission to train its students using the best equipment on the market,” said Jane Wang, Sales Director at Diamond Aircraft Austria.
“As safety is their number one priority, this is a natural fit for both organizations, given Diamond’s unmatched safety record. Skywings will also benefit from the advantages of fleet commonality – minimal instructor standardization, rapid student transition, reduced parts inventory, lower maintenance costs, as well as the convenience of a sole source provider,” she continued.
Skywings signed the order for four new aircraft and a simulator at the European Airline Training Symposium in Cascais, Portugal, in November 2023.
About Diamond Aircraft’s Flight Training Solution
Diamond’s dedication to flight training has shaped its product line of modern fuel-efficient aircraft, each with a specific training application in mind. With its complete line of piston aircraft – including a dedicated flight training concept with Single Engine Piston (DA40 NG, DA40 XLT) and Multi Engine Piston (DA42-VI) trainers, along with type-specific flight training simulators and proprietary jet-fuel engines – Diamond Aircraft is the only sole source provider in the flight training market. For more information, please click here.
For more information about Skywings Flight Training, please click here.