Diamond Aircraft Resumes European Production with First DA20i Delivery

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.

A Milestone for European Flight Training

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.”

Technical Evolution: The DA20i Katana

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.

Engine and Efficiency

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:

• Fuel Consumption: The Rotax engine burns approximately 11.1 liters (2.9 gallons) per hour, compared to roughly 20.8 liters (5.5 gallons) per hour for the Continental version.
• Fuel Type: The Rotax engine is compatible with unleaded mogas, which is often cheaper and more readily available in Europe than 100LL avgas.

Modern Avionics

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.”

Market Context and Future Orders

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.

AirPro News Analysis

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the new DA20i manufactured?

The new DA20i is manufactured at Diamond Aircraft’s headquarters in Wiener Neustadt, Austria.

How does the DA20i differ from the DA20-C1?

The DA20i uses a Rotax 912 iSc3 Sport engine and features a Garmin G500TXi glass cockpit, whereas the North American DA20-C1 typically uses a Continental engine and traditional avionics.

Who was the launch customer for the new European model?

Aviation Academy Austria (AAA) took delivery of the first unit on November 28, 2025.

Sources

• Diamond Aircraft