A large-scale model of Diamond’s DA42 multi-purpose platform (MPP) twin dominates the company’s segment of the Austrian stand at Asian Aerospace – although the Wiener Neustadt-based company’s single and twin-engined training aircraft have been the ‘best sellers’ so far in the Far East.

“We have already sold more than 30 airframes, mostly to flying schools, in southeast Asia,” says Pratheep Boonprasom, president of Asian Aerospace Services (AAS), and Diamond Aircraft’s distributor in the region. “Both the DA/DV20 singles and DA42 Twin Stars sell extremely in South East Asia and we’re confident we will have sold more than 40 aircraft in the region by this time next year.”

In a joint venture, Diamond opened a new plant in China at the end of last year, and this new production site will supply aircraft for the entire Asian market over the coming months. However, the most recent deliveries in the region were ferried from Austria at the end of July this year when the Bangkok-based distributors flew two DA42 diesel-powered twins to Asia Pacific Flight Training (APFT), based in Kota Bahru, Malaysia.

Diamond DA 42

The DA42’s unique engines – two TAE Thielert Centurion 2.0 turbocharged common-rail fuel-injected power units – are controlled through a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system.

This delivery marks the beginning of APFT's fleet expansion and modernisation with Diamond aircraft, helping it provide modern and professional pilot training for the various airlines in the region – a growing need thanks to the anticipated expansion of the region’s passenger, business and cargo operations.

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Source: Flight Daily News

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