Work has begun in China to build a factory for the construction of Diamond DA-42 Twin Star aeroplanes. The aircraft, which Diamond Aircraft claims is the first light twin-engined aircraft for 25 years, is currently built in factories in Vienna, Austria and Ontario, Canada.

The company has received over 500 orders for the Twin Star, half from customers based in North America, said Henrik Burkal, UK sales manager for Diamond Aircraft. Sixty UK operators have also expressed interest in the aircraft.

The company expects most of its business to come from either flight training operators, or small companies and private individuals. The aircraft was designed by Diamond Aircraft Industries in Vienna.

Burkal said the Twin Star’s main advantages are lower operating costs, a glass cockpit, and a large cabin; it seats up to four people, including the pilot.Diamond Aircraft’s UK branch in Gamston has acquired five Twin Star aircraft. Four will be delivered to UK customers and one will remain with Diamond to be used as a demonstrator. Three more will be delivered to the UK later this year; next year the company expects to deliver three aircraft per month, Burkal said.