KLM Flight Academy, based at Groningen airport Eelde in the Netherlands, is to upgrade its training fleet with two twin engine DA42-VI and 12 single engine DA40 NG aircraft, all powered by the 168 HP jet fuel AE300 from Austro Engine. The firm order will see the first deliveries take place in 1Q24 and will bring KLM's fleet of Diamond training aircraft to 18 in total, comprising six DA42-VI and 12 DA40 NG.

"With the replacement of the ageing fleet with 12 DA40 NG and an additional two DA42-VI aircraft, KLM Flight Academy is ready for the flight training requirements of today and tomorrow. The aircraft are quieter, more fuel-efficient and have the latest developments in technology. This means that we can now offer our students even better flight training," says managing director Auke Dros. “The academy also has great interest in purchasing Diamond Aircraft eDA40s once certified to contribute for a better aviation of tomorrow.”

“We are proud that Diamond's Austro Engine jet-fuel powered DA40 NG and DA42-VI are the first choice single and multi-engine trainer aircraft for KLM Flight Academy,” adds Jane Wang, sales director, Diamond Aircraft Austria. “The aircraft are the ideal flight training solution for professional flight training organisations looking for safe, fuel-efficient and maintenance-friendly aircraft, who want to take care of the environment with the best options available on the market today.”