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Press Release
Issued by Diamond Aircraft Industries.
July 18, 2019
Blue Line Aviation, a North Carolina headquartered flight training provider, has ordered 11 new jet-fuel burning Diamond aircraft. The order includes 10 new DA40 NGs and one DA42-VI twin aircraft, and will be delivered over the next 18 months.
The purchase comes less than a year after the company ordered six Jet-A burning DA40 NG aircraft and one DA42-VI that have been rolling into service in 2019. Combined, these orders will bring its total fleet to 22 training aircraft, of which 20 are jet-fuel burning pistons from Diamond Aircraft.
LifeStyle Aviation, Diamond distributor in North America, facilitated the orders. Blue Line Aviation has been a LifeStyle Aviation network partner since its formation in 2012, and the two companies have worked closely together to grow and develop their successful flight training business model.
“We chose the modern jet-fuel burning aircraft because they provide a strategic competitive advantage,” said Trey Walters, founder and owner of Blue Line Aviation. “They're more reliable and easier to maintain than older gas engine aircraft. The airplanes start every time, there are no magneto problems, and the maintenance and fuel costs are lower. We fly over 100 hours a month per aircraft, so that has been a huge benefit for us.”
Blue Line also recently announced plans to build a $13-million, 50,000-square foot training facility at Johnston Regional Airport (JNX). The new planes are part of this expansion and some of the units are expected to be delivered to the new facility in 2020.
Walters further added, “Our partnership with LifeStyle Aviation has been instrumental in making this order happen. Not just in the acquisition of the aircraft, but in shaping Blue Line Aviation's growth and our path forward. We attribute a lot of our success to John Armstrong and our partnership with LifeStyle Aviation.”
"It's been an honour to be a part of the Blue Line success story,” said John Armstrong, LifeStyle Aviation's CEO. “We've been working with Blue Line Aviation as one of our network partners since 2012, and have enjoyed helping it develop a modern flight centre success formula. We're looking forward to continuing to support it going forward as it continues to grow.”
“We are thrilled that Blue Line is expanding their fleet of Diamond Aircraft,” said Scott McFadzean, CEO of Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. “We count Blue Line Aviation among our most loyal customers and we are looking forward to continuing to support its growth and success. Lifestyle Aviation has been essential in this transaction and we are excited to continue growing the Diamond brand together with our partners in the United States.”
