Training & Certification
Diamond Aircraft Revives DA20i Katana Trainer in Europe with Modern Upgrades
Diamond Aircraft reintroduces the DA20i Katana in Europe featuring Rotax engines and Garmin glass cockpit for modern pilot training.
In the world of general aviation, certain aircraft achieve a legendary status, becoming synonymous with the very act of learning to fly. The Diamond DA20 Katana is one such aircraft. For over a decade, European flight schools and private pilots have felt the absence of new Katanas rolling off the Austrian production line. Now, in a move driven by significant market demand, Manufacturers Diamond Aircraft has announced the reintroduction of the beloved DA20i Katana to its European manufacturing facility in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. This isn’t just a simple restart; it’s a revitalization of a classic, updated to meet the rigorous demands of modern pilot training.
The decision to bring the DA20i back to its European roots is a direct response to a clear and growing need within the aviation community. Flight schools are facing the challenge of aging fleets, often composed of legacy trainers like the Cessna 152, while simultaneously needing to prepare new pilots for the technologically advanced cockpits of contemporary airliners. The Katana, with its reputation for reliability, efficiency, and excellent handling characteristics, has always been a strong contender. By reintroducing it with state-of-the-art upgrades, Diamond is positioning the DA20i not just as a replacement, but as a significant step forward for ab-initio flight training.
This revival marks a significant moment for Diamond Aircraft, reinforcing its commitment to the European market. While its Canadian facility has continued to produce the DA20-C1 model for North America, the return of the “i” model to Austria signals a renewed focus on its home turf. The new Katana promises to blend its proven, durable composite airframe with the cutting-edge technology that today’s student pilots need, ensuring its legacy inspires a new generation of aviators.
At the heart of the DA20i’s appeal is its foundation: a robust composite airframe celebrated for its durability and safety record. Developed from the HK36 Super Dimona motor glider, the Katana’s design heritage is evident in its efficient aerodynamics and impressive glide performance. However, the 2025 iteration of the DA20i is far from a museum piece. Diamond has made substantial upgrades under the hood and in the cockpit to align the aircraft with 21st-century training standards.
The most significant change in the new European model is the integration of the Rotax 912 iSc3 Sport engine. This 100-horsepower, four-stroke piston engine is a modern marvel of efficiency and reliability. Known for its favorable power-to-weight ratio, the Rotax 912 series is a popular choice in the light aircraft sector. The “iSc3” designation signifies key features like redundant electronic fuel injection and ignition, which enhance both safety and performance while simplifying engine management for student pilots.
This powerplant is not only reliable, with a Time Between Overhaul (TBO) of 2,000 hours, but it’s also remarkably fuel-efficient. Diamond’s specifications for the DA20i Katana note a fuel consumption of just 2.9 gallons per hour (11.1 l/h) at maximum range, giving it a significant operational cost advantage for high-utilization environments like flight schools. This efficiency, combined with a maximum range of 703 nautical miles (1,302 km), makes the Katana a versatile platform for both local Training and cross-country flights.
The choice of the Rotax engine underscores a broader industry trend towards more environmentally conscious and economically viable aviation solutions. Its lower fuel burn and proven track record provide a compelling argument for flying clubs and schools looking to modernize their fleets without incurring prohibitive operational expenses.
Perhaps the most transformative upgrade for the new DA20i is the inclusion of a Garmin G500TXi glass cockpit. This move catapults the Katana from a classic trainer into a modern instructional platform. The G500TXi replaces traditional analog “steam gauges” with a high-resolution touchscreen display, providing pilots with a clean, intuitive, and information-rich interface. For a student pilot, this is a game-changer. The system dramatically enhances situational awareness through features like synthetic vision, which renders a 3D depiction of terrain and obstacles, and real-time traffic and weather overlays. This allows new pilots to develop a deeper understanding of their environment from their very first lessons. Furthermore, the integrated system reduces pilot workload by centralizing navigation, communication, and aircraft systems monitoring, allowing students to focus more on the core skills of flying the aircraft.
Equipping the DA20i with the G500TXi is also a strategic decision that bridges the gap between primary training and a professional flying career. As the wider aviation industry has almost universally adopted glass cockpits, training in an aircraft with similar technology gives new pilots a crucial head start. They gain hands-on experience with the type of advanced Avionics they will encounter in commercial and private aircraft, making their transition to more complex machines smoother and more efficient.
“We’re thrilled to bring the DA20i Katana back to Europe. This aircraft has always held a special place in the hearts of pilots and instructors, and with its new upgrades, it’s ready to inspire the next generation of aviators.”, Jane Wang, Director Sales, Marketing, and Flight Ops at Diamond Aircraft Austria.
The reintroduction of the DA20i Katana is not happening in a vacuum. It enters a competitive but ripe market for two-seat training aircraft. The global demand for new pilots continues to rise, putting pressure on training organizations to expand and modernize their fleets. Many schools are still operating aircraft that are several decades old, making the prospect of a new, efficient, and technologically advanced trainer highly attractive.
The DA20i will compete with other modern trainers from manufacturers like Tecnam, Pipistrel, and Aeroprakt, many of which also utilize Rotax engines and Garmin avionics. However, the Katana’s long-standing reputation for durability and its proven airframe give it a distinct advantage. It is a known quantity, a trusted platform that has successfully trained thousands of pilots. This blend of a classic, reliable design with modern, forward-looking technology creates a compelling value proposition.
By restarting European production, Diamond Aircraft is not only meeting current demand but is also investing in the future of flight training. The new DA20i Katana is poised to become a staple in European flight schools once again, offering a platform that is economical to operate, easy to fly, and equipped to prepare students for the cockpits of tomorrow. Its return is a welcome development for the entire general aviation community.
Question: What are the main upgrades in the new European DA20i Katana? Question: Is Diamond Aircraft stopping production of the DA20 in Canada? Question: Why is the DA20 considered a good training aircraft? Sources: Diamond Aircraft
The Katana Returns: Diamond Aircraft Revives a Training Legend in Europe
A Modern Spin on a Proven Airframe
Powerplant and Performance
The Glass Cockpit Revolution
Market Context and Future Implications
FAQ
Answer: The new DA20i Katana features two major upgrades: a modern, fuel-efficient Rotax 912 iSc3 Sport engine and an advanced Garmin G500TXi glass cockpit with a touchscreen interface.
Answer: No, the reintroduction of the DA20i in Europe does not affect North American operations. Production of the DA20-C1 model, which uses a Continental engine, will continue at Diamond’s facility in London, Ontario, Canada.
Answer: The DA20 series is known for its reliable performance, durable composite airframe, excellent visibility from its bubble canopy, and efficient aerodynamics. These characteristics, combined with its modern avionics, make it an ideal platform for teaching fundamental and advanced flying skills.
Photo Credit: Diamond Aircraft
Training & Certification
Tecnam P2008JC NG Launches with Fuel-Injected Engine and EASA Certification
Tecnam introduces the P2008JC NG featuring a fuel-injected Rotax engine, EASA CS-23 certification, 30% lower emissions, and advanced Garmin avionics for flight training.
This article is based on an official press release from Tecnam.
Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam has officially announced the launch of the P2008JC NG (Next Generation), a significant upgrade to one of its most popular single-engine trainers. According to the company’s announcement, the new model integrates the fuel-injected Rotax 912 iSc engine and has been certified to the latest EASA CS-23 airworthiness standards. The launch targets Flight Training Organizations (FTOs) looking to modernize fleets with aircraft that offer higher fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
The P2008JC NG represents a strategic move by Tecnam to solidify its position in the global flight training market. By replacing legacy carbureted engines with modern fuel injection technology, the manufacturer aims to lower operating costs for flight schools while simplifying engine management for student pilots.
The core of the “NG” evolution is the adoption of the Rotax 912 iSc Sport engine. In its press materials, Tecnam highlights that this 100-horsepower powerplant replaces traditional carburetors with a redundant electronic fuel injection system. This change eliminates the risk of carburetor icing, a common safety concern in general aviation, and removes the need for manual mixture or choke adjustments during flight operations.
According to technical specifications released by the manufacturer, the new engine configuration delivers substantial efficiency gains:
Giovanni Pascale Langer, Tecnam’s Managing Director, emphasized the balance of efficiency and utility in the company’s official statement:
“The P2008JC NG represents a significant leap in training safety. By certifying to the latest CS-23 Amendment 6 standards, we have enhanced the aircraft’s safety characteristics specifically at very low speeds, the typical mission profile for ab-initio training. We needed an aircraft that works hard, consumes little, and inspires confidence.”
The P2008JC NG is certified under EASA CS-23 Amendment 6. This certification standard is rigorous, placing the aircraft in a high safety tier for General Aviation. Tecnam notes that this certification ensures enhanced handling characteristics, particularly in the low-speed regimes where student pilots spend much of their training time practicing stalls and landings.
The aircraft retains Tecnam’s signature hybrid construction approach. The fuselage is constructed from carbon fiber, allowing for a wider cabin and aerodynamic sleekness that is difficult to achieve with sheet metal. However, the wings and stabilator are built from metal. This design choice is intentional for the training market; metal wings are generally easier and cheaper to repair if they suffer “hangar rash” or minor damage in a busy flight school environment.
To prepare students for modern commercial cockpits, the P2008JC NG comes equipped with a glass cockpit as standard. The avionics suite features the Garmin G3X Touch, which provides situational awareness tools and flight data presentation similar to what pilots will encounter in airline operations. The interior has also been redesigned with ergonomics in mind. Updates include a new central console, improved window design for better visibility, and 3-point safety belts with inertial reels. An autopilot system is available as an option, allowing schools to conduct more advanced Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) procedural training on a VFR-capable platform.
The introduction of the P2008JC NG highlights a broader trend in the flight training industry: the shift away from 1970s-era designs toward modern, efficient platforms. While legacy aircraft like the Cessna 152 and 172 remain workhorses, their fuel burn and maintenance requirements are significantly higher than modern Rotax-powered alternatives.
For a flight school, the difference between burning 8–10 gallons per hour in a legacy trainer versus 3.7 gallons in the P2008JC NG represents a massive reduction in direct operating costs. Furthermore, as European regulators and airports place increasing pressure on noise and emissions, the “green” credentials of the NG model, specifically the 30% CO2 reduction cited by Tecnam, may become a critical selling point for academies operating in environmentally sensitive regions.
However, the challenge for modern composite or hybrid aircraft remains long-term durability. Metal legacy fleets have proven they can survive 40+ years of student abuse. It remains to be seen if the hybrid carbon-metal construction of the P2008JC NG can match that longevity, though the metal wings are a strategic concession to that reality.
Tecnam Unveils P2008JC NG: A Fuel-Injected Evolution for Flight Training
Engineering and Performance Upgrades
Safety and Certification Standards
Hybrid Airframe Design
Avionics and Interior
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Tecnam
Training & Certification
Cirrus SR Series G7+ Gains EASA and UK CAA Certification for Europe
Cirrus Aircraft’s SR Series G7+ receives EASA and UK CAA type certification, introducing Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland to European piston aircraft.
This article is based on an official press release from Cirrus Aircraft.
Cirrus Aircraft has officially received type certification from both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for its SR Series G7+ aircraft. Announced on December 9, 2025, this regulatory milestone clears the way for immediate deliveries of the manufacturer’s latest single-engine piston models, the SR20, SR22, and SR22T, to customers across Europe and the United Kingdom.
The certification marks a significant technological shift for the European general Commercial-Aircraft market. The “G7+” designation distinguishes this model from the standard G7 introduced earlier in 2024. While the G7 focused on a flight deck redesign, the G7+ introduces the Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland system as standard equipment. According to the company’s announcement, this makes the SR Series G7+ the first single-engine piston aircraft in the European market to feature a certified autonomous landing system capable of taking control during pilot incapacitation.
The primary differentiator for the newly certified G7+ is the integration of the Safe Return™ system, powered by Garmin Autoland technology. Previously available only on the jet-powered Vision Jet, this technology has now been standardized for the piston fleet. In the event of an emergency, such as pilot hypoxia or a cardiac event, a passenger can activate the system via a button on the cabin ceiling.
Once engaged, the system performs a complex sequence of autonomous actions without human intervention:
In addition to the Autoland capability, the G7+ certification includes other automated enhancements designed to reduce pilot workload. These include “Smart Pitot Heat,” which automatically engages based on outside air temperature to prevent icing, and Cirrus IQ™ Pro, a connectivity suite that facilitates real-time health monitoring and automatic database updates.
“We are pleased to receive EASA and UK CAA approval for the SR Series G7+ with Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland… European owners enjoy premium innovation, safety and quality with the SR Series G7+.”
, Zean Nielsen, CEO of Cirrus Aircraft
The dual certification from EASA and the UK CAA is a critical component of Cirrus Aircraft’s growth Strategy in the region. According to data referenced in reports by Flight Global, Europe currently represents the company’s second-largest market, accounting for approximately 11% of global deliveries. Cirrus has stated a strategic objective to increase this market share to between 20% and 30%.
By securing approval for the G7+, Cirrus aims to leverage the region’s focus on safety features. The complex airspace and variable weather conditions in Europe often drive buyers toward aircraft with advanced Avionics and redundancy. The immediate availability of the G7+ allows Cirrus to fulfill existing Orders and target new buyers looking for the specific safety net provided by the Autoland system. The certification of the G7+ establishes a significant competitive advantage for Cirrus in the high-performance piston sector. While competitors like Diamond Aircraft (based in Austria) and Piper Aircraft (USA) offer strong alternatives in the single-engine piston category, Cirrus is currently the only Manufacturers offering a certified autonomous landing system in this class within the European market.
We observe that this move effectively blurs the line between high-end piston aircraft and entry-level turbines. By migrating “Vision Jet” technology down to the SR Series, Cirrus is likely attempting to upsell owner-pilots who might otherwise consider moving to a competitor’s turboprop for perceived safety gains. Furthermore, achieving simultaneous certification from both EASA and the UK CAA demonstrates a successful navigation of the post-Brexit regulatory landscape, ensuring that the G7+ faces no friction in accessing the continent’s two most vital general aviation jurisdictions.
The rollout of the G7 platform has been rapid. The initial SR Series G7, featuring the new touchscreen flight deck and improved ergonomics, was launched in January 2024. The “Plus” variant, adding the Autoland capability, was introduced to the US market in May 2025. With the December 2025 certification, the European market has now caught up to the North American standard, unifying the product line globally.
Deliveries to European and UK customers are expected to commence immediately.
Cirrus SR Series G7+ Secures EASA and UK CAA Certification, Bringing Autonomous Landing to Europe
The “Plus” Distinction: Safety and Autonomy
Strategic Expansion in the European Market
AirPro News Analysis: A Competitive Moat
Timeline of the G7 Evolution
Sources
Photo Credit: Cirrus
Training & Certification
Diamond Aircraft Restarts European DA20i Production with First Delivery
Diamond Aircraft resumes European production of the DA20i Katana at its Austria facility, delivering the first unit to Aviation Academy Austria.
Diamond Aircraft has officially restarted European production of its two-seat DA20 trainer after a hiatus of more than a decade. In a ceremony held at the company’s headquarters in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, the manufacturer delivered the first newly built DA20i Katana to its launch customer, Aviation Academy Austria (AAA).
The delivery, which took place on November 28, 2025, marks a strategic shift for Diamond Aircraft. For the past 13 years, the DA20 was manufactured exclusively in London, Ontario, primarily for the North American market. By bringing production back to Austria, the company aims to address the surging demand for flight training across Europe while mitigating the logistical costs and tariffs associated with importing aircraft from Canada.
The resumption of the DA20 line in Europe is a direct response to the region’s growing need for modern, cost-effective training fleets. According to Diamond Aircraft, the decision to produce the aircraft locally allows for faster delivery times to European flight schools and offers a configuration specifically tailored to the local market.
Aviation Academy Austria, located directly adjacent to the Diamond factory at Wiener Neustadt airfield, was the natural launch customer. The academy ordered two DA20i aircraft; the first was handed over during the ceremony, with the second scheduled for delivery in early 2026. AAA already operates a mixed fleet of Diamond aircraft, including older DA20s, DA40 NGs, and DA42 NG-VI twins.
In a statement regarding the delivery, Oliver Karall, CEO of Aviation Academy Austria, highlighted the importance of modernizing training equipment:
“We are thrilled to welcome the new DA20i Katana into our fleet… [it] allows our students to experience the very best in modern flight training. This aircraft perfectly aligns with our mission to provide state-of-the-art training solutions.”
While the North American DA20-C1 has remained a staple in flight schools, the new European DA20i Katana introduces significant technical updates designed for European operating environments. The most notable difference lies in the powerplant and avionics suite.
The European model is powered by the Rotax 912 iSc3 Sport engine (100 hp), replacing the Continental IO-240-B32B (125 hp) found in the Canadian variant. According to technical specifications released by Diamond, this switch results in substantial fuel savings:
To prepare students for modern airline cockpits, the DA20i is equipped with a Garmin G500TXi glass cockpit. This upgrade replaces legacy analog instruments, allowing ab-initio students to train on digital interfaces from their very first flight hours.
Jane Wang, Sales Director for Diamond Aircraft Austria, emphasized the blend of heritage and modernity in the new model: “Relaunching production of the DA20i Katana, and now delivering the first unit in Europe, marks another exciting chapter for Diamond Aircraft… The DA20i blends tradition with innovation.”
The relaunch comes at a critical time for the aviation industry. Citing data from CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast, industry reports indicate a need for 64,000 new pilots in Europe over the next decade. Flight schools are expanding their fleets to meet this intake, driving demand for efficient primary trainers.
The market has already responded to the availability of the European-built model. Shortly after the announcement involving AAA, AELO Swiss Academy signed a deal for 12 DA20i aircraft with options for six more. Based in Locarno, Switzerland, AELO cited the aircraft’s environmental credentials and operating efficiency as key drivers for their fleet standardization.
The return of the DA20 to European production lines is more than a nostalgic nod to the company’s history; it is a calculated economic maneuver. European flight schools face significantly higher fuel costs and stricter noise abatement regulations than their North American counterparts. By offering a Rotax-powered variant produced locally, Diamond eliminates the trans-Atlantic shipping costs and import tariffs that made the Canadian DA20-C1 less competitive in Europe.
Furthermore, the shift to the Garmin G500TXi in a primary trainer reflects a broader industry trend. Airlines increasingly prefer cadets who are “glass-cockpit native,” reducing the training gap when students transition to complex turbine aircraft. The DA20i appears positioned to serve as a bridge between cost-effective ab-initio training and professional airline preparation.
Diamond Aircraft Resumes European Production with First DA20i Delivery
A Milestone for European Flight Training
Technical Evolution: The DA20i Katana
Engine and Efficiency
Modern Avionics
Market Context and Future Orders
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Diamond Aircraft
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