Finnish flight training school Patria has ordered five training aircraft and two flight training simulators from Austrian manufacturer Diamond Aircraft Industries.
The order is for four single-engine DA40 NG aircraft and one DA42-VI multi-engine training aircraft. Two Flight Navigation and Procedures Trainers (FNPT II) for DA42-VI aircraft are also included in the purchase. The fleet of single engine aircraft will be used for basic and instrument training, while the twin-engine DA42 will be used for multi-engine training.
Patria has also ordered two flight sims.
“The new Diamond fleet will increase Patria´s training capacity considerably and will allow us to train our students faster in the very competitive training market. Diamond is well-known for its high quality aircraft and we are pleased to extend our cooperation with the company,” said Lassi Matikainen, President, Patria Aviation.
“Diamond Aircraft is proud to be part of the history of Patria Pilot Training. We are glad to see that Patria is introducing the DA40 NG as their new single engine trainer. Together with the new DA42-VI and the two FNPTII’s, Patria will be able to benefit from the standardization of the fleet as well as from the fuel efficient and low maintenance airplanes,” said Christian Dries, CEO and Owner, Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH.
The first flight training device will be delivered in April and the first DA40 NG aircraft in June 2017. The remaining fleet and the second simulator will be delivered before the end of August 2017 to Patria’s new training centre in Tampere-Pirkkala. The contract includes an option to order more DA40 NG aircraft before the end of 2018.
Diamond’s twin and single engine aircraft are in Patria’s latest order.
Modern training fleet
As of today, Patria already operates two DA42 NG aircraft. With the new purchase, Patria´s Diamond fleet will include seven training aircraft and two flight training simulators.
Patria will continue to operate nine Tecnam P2002JF aircraft together with the new trainers to answer to strong demand in pilot training markets in Finland and internationally. All trainers will be used for Finnair’s MPL cadets’ training. Patria has recently also purchased an Airbus A320 Flight Training Device for the MPL training program.
