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!