DIAMOND AIRCRAFT Industries is in negotiation with the Chinese aerospace-technology group CATIC over the possible licensed production by the latter of the Canadian-built DA20 Katana two-seat primary training aircraft.
China is understood to have a requirement for around 800 training aircraft over the next few years, to keep pace with demand for pilots from the country's rapidly expanding airlines.
According to Michael Feinig, vice-president for sales and marketing at Diamond Aircraft Industries, a deal would cover four phases and take around five years to implement. "We're very open minded on such discussions," he says.
An initial purchase of 20-30 aircraft by China, might be followed by, licensed production of certain components, and finally, the transfer of aircraft final assembly, says Feinig. After three to five years, CATIC could be manufacturing the entire airframe, and possibly the Rotax 912A-3 engine as well.
Allowing CATIC to produce Katanas would significantly boost the Austrian company's chances of picking up a big share of the expected business, and open the door to further sales of the DA22 Speed Katana, which is now under development, and a planned four-seat aircraft.
Source: Flight International
