Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH of Austria is pleased to announce that it has signed a purchase agreement with Ethiopian Airlines for ten pilot training aircraft (DA40NG) and one simulator. The aircraft will be equipped with the new Austro Engine AE300 power plant, which operates with JetA1 (kerosene) fuel. The DA40NG represent the newest generation aircraft, made of composite material and equipped with most state of the art avionic systems. After evaluating through the Ethiopian technicians at Diamonds premises in Austria, and test flights made in Addis Ababa, this aircraft proves to be the most efficient, fuel cost saving system suitable for pilot training in the hot and high conditions of East Africa.

Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mr. Girma Wake and Diamond Aircraft Industries’ CEO Mr. Christian Dries signed the agreement on July 29, 2010. The total cost of the aircraft and simulator are valued at 3.7 million Euros at list price.  The aircraft will be delivered in eight months time from the date of the agreement and the first four aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in November 2010.

According to Mr. Girma the decision to purchase the equipment was based on the airlines mission statement and core values to provide the highest training standards by investing on world class training equipments.  He added, “The recent order will enable us to maintain our on-going training to the highest international level for our cadet flight crews. “

Backed by industry reputation of over 60 years, Ethiopian Airlines Aviation Academy has become a powerful source of the African aviation training. The Academy is committed to developing and providing a competent workforce for Ethiopian Airlines in particular, and the aviation industry for the region in general.   The academy runs concurrent training and development programs covering pilots, cabin crew, technicians and conducts comprehensive courses in marketing and leadership management.

Source and photo: Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH