Diamond Aircraft Industries and Blue Line Aviation have inked a firm order for 50 Diamond Aircraft, including single engine DA40 NGs, twin engine DA42-VIs and a Diamond simulator, with an option for up to 50 additional aircraft.

Blue Line, a flight training provider based in North Carolina, has increased its fleet of modern aircraft to 16 aircraft, including two DA42-VIs. The company was founded in 2012 to provide high quality flight instruction in a professional environment. Operating new Diamond aircraft aligns with that goal, allowing students to train in modern, technologically advanced aircraft.

“I'm thankful to everyone that has played a part in making Blue Line what it is today. We couldn't have done it without the hard work of our staff, students and friends at Diamond Aircraft,” says Trey Walters, CEO and founder of Blue Line Aviation. “Currently, we train approximately 40 full time students at a time in our five and a half month career pilot course. We expect to triple that, or more, with the new aircraft and recently announced full student financing. We've been able to change lives through flight training and do some good in the world. At the end of the day, that's what matters.”

Diamond CEO Scott McFadzean adds: “The timing of this aircraft order marks a significant milestone for Blue Line Aviation. We have followed the tremendous growth of this operation very closely and are impressed with its laser focused vision towards the future during this pandemic, which has caused a drastic shift in short-term pilot demand in the industry. We are proud to count it among our greater Diamond family and look forward to continuing and growing the partnership for many more years to come.”

Blue Line is also in the midst of constructing a new $16 million, 50,000 sq ft headquarters at Johnston Regional airport in Smithfield, North Carolina with plans to permanently relocate in 2021. The facility will feature hangar space, the Professional Pilot Training Center, a barbecue restaurant and rooftop terrace, simulator room, operations centre and dispatch, flight briefing rooms, Diamond Aircraft maintenance and administrative offices.