Diamond Aircraft has forged a deal with Air India for the acquisition of three new twin-engine DA42-VI aircraft, with an option for six more, for Air India's new Flight Training Organisation in Amravati, Maharashtra. This order marks the start of Diamond Aircraft's cooperation with India's flag carrier airline. Delivery of the first aircraft is anticipated in summer 2025.

“We are thrilled to play such a vital role in Air India's drive to become entirely self-sufficient in training new pilots for its expanding fleet. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership,” comments Jane Wang, director of sales, marketing and flight ops at Diamond Aircraft Austria. “The DA42-VI is designed to make transitioning from single- to multi-engine aircraft training much easier, and Air India's future cadets will benefit from this. The glass cockpit will help prepare them for their future careers flying large commercial jets.”

The four-seat DA42-VI is the newest version of Diamond's industry-leading, twin-engine piston aircraft. Ideal for pilot training, its jet-fuel powerplant generates fuel savings of up to 50 per cent compared to conventional Avgas-powered twins, and its panoramic canopy provides excellent visibility during flight manoeuvres.

“We are excited to partner with Diamond Aircraft as we set up India's first airline-owned and operated cadet pilot school. We see this as the beginning of a partnership with Diamond to support Air India's vision to strengthen the aviation training ecosystem in India and become self-reliant,” states Sunil Bhaskaran, director, aviation academy, Air India.

Air India's pilot school will be officially opened in the second half of 2025 as South Asia's largest flight school, training around 180 pilots each year. It will be equipped with digitally enabled classrooms, a digitised operations centre and its own maintenance facility to elevate operational efficiency. The DA42 will come into play as cadets progress to multi-engine flight training.