Riga-based AirBaltic Training, a subsidiary of the Latvian airline airBaltic, has completed acceptance of a new fleet of Austro Engine jet fuel piston engine-powered Diamond Aircraft, comprising one DA42-VI and six DA40 NG, plus one Diamond DSIM flight simulator.

SVP flight operations Pauls Calitis says: “Our state-of-the-art Diamond Aircraft fleet is one the sucess factors of the airBaltic pilot academy, which is the go-to programme for aspiring Baltic pilots. Only pilot academy offers high calibre pilot training, which will lead to employment as an airBaltic pilot. This additional order for Diamond Aircraft supports the continued growth of our training capabilities.”

Diamond Aircraft Industries Austria sales and marketing director Amila Spiegel adds: “We are happy that AirBaltic Training's experience with our flight training system led to further acquisitions of Diamond aircraft. It shows that Diamond's flight training concept, the only sole source supplier of a full range of efficient, safe, modern single and twin aircraft along with type-specific simulators and proprietary engines, meets the latest industry technology and operation standards for airline-oriented pilot training institutions.”

The modern all composite aircraft are equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpits and efficient, clean and very quiet jet-fuel Austro engines. Nearly 1,000 DA42s have been delivered since its introduction more than 14 years ago, outselling all other certified piston twins combined.

Diamond's model-specific flight training devices are designed both for basic and advanced instrument, navigation and procedural training. Its simulators are suited for instruction, check flights, screening purposes and skill proficiency tests.