Planemaker Flying High In Bullish Aerospace Market

Diamond Aircraft informed ANN it has delivered 33 percent more aircraft in 2006 than in 2005. That compares to a 2006 industry-wide increase in piston-engine aircraft sales of 11.6 percent, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

"Diamond has sustained this level of growth over the last 5 years," said Christian Dries, CEO of Diamond Aircraft. "The production ramp-up of new models like our DA42 Twin Star and DA40 XL, in combination with continued popularity of our existing models continues to fuel this growth."

Diamond's offerings have caused quite a stir in the aviation market. Its DA42 Twin Star, sporting a pair of Thielert diesels, has set a new industry standard for light-twin economy. With 52 standard gallons aboard, and the two Thielerts sipping under 6 gallons per hour (for both engines!), the DA42 has astonishing range. Add last year's gross weight increase, and there's room for 836 pounds of people and bags after filling the tanks.

"There are several factors that ensure continued success for Diamond, specifically offering a complete product line, continued technological innovation and expansion into non-traditional markets," said Dries.

A number of flight schools have chosen Diamond aircraft for their training fleets including Doss Aviation in Pueblo, CO and Alteon. Doss will use Diamond's DA20 for US Air Force Academy flight screening, while Alteon is using the DA40 and DA40 simulators for its Multi-Crew Pilot Training program in Australia.

Dries said, "Whether for personal, business or flight training use, no other manufacturer offers a comparable range of modern technology aircraft, from our economic 2 seater through 4 seat singles and twins, including complementary full cockpit flight training simulators."

First announced in January 2003, Diamond's much-awaited D-Jet is still causing waves in the aviation world. The company announced an order for 20 of the 5-place personal jets from Airline Transport Professionals for use in its Airline Career Pilot Program.

"We are committed to providing a higher level of performance, capability, safety and efficiency in our market segments through continued innovation in avionics, airframe and propulsion technology, including bringing jet propulsion to private pilots with the class defining D-JET," said Dries.

There's no question that Diamond had a fantastic year in 2006, and if it's also true that nothing succeeds like success, Diamond's future is bright indeed!

FMI: www.diamondaircraft.com