The Saudi National Company of Aviation (SNCA), a CAE authorised training centre, has selected a number of Diamond Aircraft twin DA42-VI and single DA40 NGs to train its pilots. The agreement consists of 60 aircraft over a five-year period, and delivery of the first 12 will take place from February 2019.

The DA40 NG and the DA42-VI are the newest versions of Diamond's piston series, combining modern technology airframes, avionics and power plants. The aircraft are equipped with jet-fuel piston Austro engines and Garmin G1000 NXi avionics systems.

“This purchase agreement is one of the largest in the history of aviation academies in Saudi Arabia and perhaps the Middle East region," says SNCA director of global business development Anthony Miller. "It also marks a new era of aviation training in the Kingdom which is well aligned with its 2030 vision. SNCA is determined to provide the aviation industry with highly qualified male and female pilots who will be part of the development of our aviation industry and serve as an integral tool for development here.

“We have carefully selected Diamond aircraft because of their reputation for safety and efficiency. We are confident that our choice of partnership with Diamond will guarantee our young trainee cadets the best possible learning experiences."

Sales and marketing director for Diamond Aircraft Austria Amila Spiegel adds: “We are proud to be SNCA's choice of training aircraft for the establishment of its new organisation. The commitment of another reputable big flight school to our airplanes and flight training solution proves that we are meeting the demands of flight training organisations worldwide.

“We are the only manufacturer that offers a full range of modern, safe, efficient and reliable single and twin engine aircraft, along with proprietary jet fuel piston engines and professional high fidelity Diamond Simulation flight training devices.”