The 10 single-engine DA40 NG aircraft and four DA42-VI twin-engine aircraft along with the simulators will be based with QAA in Doha.

The contract was signed in the presence of Qatar’s Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti and the CEO of QAA Sheik Jabor bin Hamad Al-Thani.The state-of-the-art, easy to fly planes powered by highly efficient jet-fuel engines AE300 from Austro Engine, were intensively tested in hot weather operations in the area of Qatar. They proved to be the best choice for preparing QAA’s flight students for flying most modern airliners around the globe. The project was supported by Diamond Aircraft’s Sales Partner, Mr. Khalid Al-Khater who also provided demonstrator planes for the flight testing phase in Qatar.

The agreement comes in line with QAA’s effort to upgrade its programs, training courses and academic syllabuses and linking them to practical training for all departments for this advanced industry in the world. Sheik Jabor said: “The Academy is proud to sign an agreement with Diamond Aircraft for the purchase of a fleet of 14 aircrafts and two simulators as these aircraft have proved their efficiency and endurance to air turbulence in the Qatari environment and hot weather conditions.”

Amila Spiegel, Sales Director Civil Aircraft Sales, Diamond Aircraft Industries said: We are proud to be part of the new success story of Qatar Aeronautical Academy. This project shows that there is a demand for safe, maintenance-friendly and fuel-efficient aircraft in the Middle East region. We are convinced that Qatar Aeronautical Academy will benefit not only by the huge fuel savings but also due to a high standardization level of the fleet and simulators.”

Adding the most modern fleet of Diamond aircraft to QAA’s existing fleet will work towards enhancing training efficiency, readiness and smooth running of the Pilot Training Division as well as to the increase in the number of graduates in this promising division in the near future.