Emirates Expands Training Fleet With Diamond DA42-VI

The acquisition will make the twin-engine 4-seater the flagship for multiengine piston (MEP) training for the Emirates’ National Cadet Pilot Programme at Al Maktoum International-Dubai World Central Airport, Emirates Airlines said in a statement. 

The DA42-VI is the newest version of Diamond’s light piston twin. The all-composite aircraft are equipped with 168 hp diesel Austro AE300 engines and the Garmin G1000 NXi integrated flight deck with a three-axis automatic flight control system.

The aircraft order is part of the airline's larger plan for the cadet programme, according to Captain Abdulla Al Hammadi, vice president of Emirates Flight Training Academy.

"It helps us design a bridging MEP programme for cadets to gain more flying experience while progressing from a single-engine to a light jet aircraft," he said in a statement Thursday. "It strengthens our offering and makes it more unique, rounded, and robust. Our cadets will benefit hugely as they gain experience on three different types of aircraft, even before they’re licensed.

‘‘The new fleet also helps us go above and beyond on complying with the new GCAA guidelines, he continued. ‘‘The DA42-VI is reliable, eco-friendly, and a practical platform for MEP training. We’re confident we’ve made the right choice.”