Diamond Aircraft and AELO Swiss Academy Fleet Deal for DA20i Katana

Diamond Aircraft Seals Major Fleet Deal with AELO Swiss Academy for the Reintroduced DA20i Katana

In a significant move for the European aviation training sector, Manufacturers Diamond Aircraft has announced a major partnership with AELO Swiss Academy, a premier pilot training institution based in Switzerland. The agreement involves the sale of 12 DA20i Katana aircraft, solidifying the model’s successful return to European production. This deal not only underscores the sustained demand for modern, efficient training aircraft but also marks a new chapter for a beloved and time-tested platform.

The partnership is the first major fleet order for the DA20i Katana since Diamond Aircraft restarted its production line in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, after more than a decade-long pause for the European market. The decision to revive the production was driven by persistent demand from flight schools, flying clubs, and private aviators who value the Katana’s unique blend of performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. This landmark agreement with AELO Swiss Academy serves as a powerful validation of that strategy, signaling strong market confidence in the upgraded aircraft.

The deal also includes an option for AELO to acquire an additional six DA20i Katanas for delivery in 2027, indicating a long-term commitment to the platform as a cornerstone of its training fleet. For an academy with a reputation for excellence and a high graduate placement rate, this investment is a strategic step toward ensuring its students are trained on the most advanced and reliable equipment available in the industry.

The Katana’s European Comeback: A Modern Trainer for a New Generation

The reintroduction of the DA20i Katana is more than just restarting a production line; it’s about re-launching a classic aircraft enhanced with modern technology. While production for the North American market continued in Canada with the Continental-powered DA20-C1, the European variant was put on hold. Its return to Wiener Neustadt brings a technologically advanced trainer back to its roots, tailored for the specific needs of the European flight training market.

Upgrades for a New Era of Flight Training

The newly built European DA20i Katana is equipped with significant upgrades that position it as a leading-edge training platform. At its core is the Rotax 912 iSc3 Sport engine, known for its fuel efficiency and reliability, which contributes to the aircraft’s low operating costs, a critical factor for any flight school. This engine choice ensures that the Katana remains an economically sensible option without compromising on performance.

The most notable enhancement is in the cockpit. The aircraft now features a Garmin G500TXi glass cockpit, a state-of-the-art Avionics suite that provides student pilots with experience on the type of integrated flight decks they will encounter in modern airliners. With an intuitive touchscreen interface, advanced navigation capabilities, and enhanced situational awareness, the G500TXi reduces pilot workload and provides a superior, immersive training experience. These upgrades ensure the DA20i is not just a primary trainer but a direct bridge to the next generation of commercial aircraft.

Built on Diamond’s proven composite airframe, the DA20i Katana maintains its reputation for exceptional durability and safety. Its sleek design is not just for aesthetics; it contributes to impressive performance metrics. The aircraft boasts a maximum cruise speed of 122 knots (226 km/h) and a remarkable range of up to 703 nautical miles (1,302 km). Furthermore, its fuel consumption is exceptionally low, at just 2.9 gallons per hour (11.1 l/h) at maximum range, making it one of the most efficient trainers on the market.

“We’re incredibly proud to see such a strong and immediate response to the return of the DA20i Katana. AELO’s commitment confirms what we’ve long believed, there’s simply nothing like the Katana. Its blend of performance, efficiency, and modern avionics makes it the ideal platform for today’s flight training needs.” – Jane Wang, Director Sales, Marketing, and Flight Ops at Diamond Aircraft Austria.

A Strategic Partnership for Excellence in Aviation

The agreement between Diamond Aircraft and AELO Swiss Academy is a partnership rooted in a shared commitment to quality and innovation. Founded in 1985 and based in Locarno, Switzerland, AELO has established itself as a leader in pilot education, boasting an impressive graduate placement rate where over 96% of students secure airline positions within six months of graduation. This success is built on a philosophy of using high-performance, modern, and sustainable training methods.

Modernizing the Fleet for Future Pilots

AELO’s decision to integrate the DA20i Katana into its operations is a testament to the aircraft’s suitability for high-standard training programs. The academy already operates a fleet of 27 aircraft, including Diamond’s DA40 and DA42 models, making the DA20i a natural and seamless addition for initial flight training. The commonality in design philosophy and avionics across the Diamond family provides a consistent and progressive training pathway for students as they advance from single-engine to multi-engine aircraft.

Stefano Buratti, CEO at AELO Swiss Academy, highlighted this alignment, stating, “This aircraft is a perfect fit for our training philosophy, efficient, modern, sustainable, and built to the highest standards. With this investment, we’re ensuring our students train on the most advanced and reliable platforms available.” The acquisition supports AELO’s recent major expansion of its campus facilities and infrastructure, further strengthening its capacity to deliver world-class pilot education under the esteemed “Swiss Seal of Excellence.”

Conclusion: A New Dawn for a Classic Trainer

The deal between Diamond Aircraft and AELO Swiss Academy is more than a simple transaction; it represents a confluence of strategic vision and market demand. For Diamond, it validates the decision to bring a beloved aircraft back to its European home, now equipped to meet the demands of 21st-century flight training. For AELO, it reinforces its position at the forefront of pilot education by investing in a fleet that is modern, efficient, and perfectly aligned with its high standards.

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, the need for well-trained pilots equipped with skills for modern cockpits has never been greater. The re-emerged DA20i Katana, with its blend of classic flying characteristics and advanced avionics, is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of aviators. This partnership sets a strong precedent, signaling a bright future for both the Katana and the institutions that choose it to train the pilots of tomorrow.

FAQ

Question: What is the DA20i Katana?
Answer: The DA20i Katana is a two-seat, single-engine piston aircraft manufactured by Diamond Aircraft. It is widely used as a primary trainer by flight schools due to its efficiency, performance, and durable composite airframe.

Question: Why was the European production of the DA20i Katana restarted?
Answer: Diamond Aircraft reintroduced the DA20i Katana to its European production line in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, in October 2025 after a hiatus of over a decade. The decision was driven by strong and persistent demand from flight schools, flying clubs, and private owners in the region.

Question: What are the key upgrades in the new European-built DA20i Katana?
Answer: The new DA20i Katana features significant upgrades, including a modern Rotax 912 iSc3 Sport engine and a Garmin G500TXi glass cockpit with a touchscreen interface, which provides an advanced and intuitive training experience similar to modern airliners.

Sources

• Diamond Aircraft