Quantcast

Diamond Aircraft's journey: From gliders to advanced general aviation planes

These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Delta employees to receive an average five weeks of pay in annual profit sharing
Akasa Air faces DGCA heat for lapses; warning letter issued to airline's accountable manager
Indigo Eyes European Market Amid Intensifying Competition with Air India
Air India to operate daily Delhi-Prayagraj flights for Maha Kumbh
Engine maker agrees to compensate WizzAir for grounded planes
Turkish Airlines’ flights are riddled with bedbugs, passengers say
British Airways frequent flyers react to Executive Club changes
Inside the short-lived, men-only flights where kids and women were banned but cigar and pipe smoking were rife
China steps up drive to break Boeing, Airbus grip on plane market
Heathrow’s New York service clings to spot in top aviation routes
Airline praises pilots in crash-landing where both died but nearly half the passengers survived
Mexico state airline to buy five Embraer planes next year
A record number of people are expected to fly over the holidays. That's good for travel stocks, but not for passengers.
American Airlines technical issue sparks travel chaos on Christmas Eve as flights heavily delayed after being grounded
Why United Airlines has had such a stellar year despite being Boeing's biggest customer
JetBlue nixing routes between multiple major cities, reducing several others
Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.
It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
All of the strikes at European airports this winter – find out if you are affected
Meet the CEO trying to turn around Air India, the 92-year-old airline with a pile of problems
Skiplagging: Unpacking the Risky Travel Trend That Involves Tricking Airlines
Qantas engineers walk off job on one of the busiest travel days of the year
South Korea to safeguard competition after Korean Air, Asiana merger
China Southern returns to Adelaide
Diamond Aircraft's journey: From gliders to advanced general aviation planes
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
Simple Flying | Simple Flying

Diamond Aircraft Industries, founded by Austrian aviation engineer Wolf Hoffmann in 1981, has become a renowned name in the general aviation sector. Initially known as Hoffmann Flugzeugbau, the company introduced its first aircraft, the H36 Dimona, a two-seat all-composite glider that became Europe's best-selling motor-glider.

Following the release of the HK36 Dimona, Diamond Aircraft shifted focus to light general aviation aircraft with the development of the DV20 Katana, later marketed as the DA20 in North America. The Dries Family's involvement in the 1990s helped expand Diamond's presence in North America after securing its place in Europe.

In the late 1990s, rebranding to Diamond Aircraft aligned with its growing North American market. In subsequent years, new aircraft models were developed, including the twin-engine Diamond DA42 Twin Star. These aircraft serve various roles such as training and owner-operator use.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The HK36 Dimona remains a notable model from Hoffmann's original design. Since its introduction in 1980 and continuous production thereafter, over 900 units have been produced. This lightweight glider is built entirely from fiberglass materials and features foldable wings for storage.

Another significant model is the Diamond DA20. First flown as a prototype in 1991 and released to market by 1993 under its initial name DV20 Katana before being rebranded for North America. Over 1,000 units have been built since then. The DA20 serves primarily as a two-seater trainer aircraft powered by a Continental IO-240 piston engine.

Developed from the DA20's success is the Diamond DA40 Star which accommodates up to four passengers while maintaining many of its predecessor’s features like tricycle landing gear and low-wing configuration. Introduced officially in early 2000s after starting development mid-1990s; more than 2,250 units have been sold.

Finally comes their first twin-engine craft -the Diamond DA42 Twin Star introduced back during early millennium era post maiden flight conducted December '02 . Certified uniquely within European skies marking quarter-century milestone on continent; close thousand these crafted today powered via dual Austro Engine E4 motors yielding collective horsepower upwards near three-fifty mark each unit sports composite material airframe retractable landing gear distinct T-tail feature among others

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

Copa Airlines has announced its 55th anniversary in Colombia, emphasizing its role in connecting the country to North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean through Panama's Hub of the Americas.

Apr 11, 2025

Flying Food Group has announced a recruitment drive for various positions at its Jamaica, New York facility.

Apr 11, 2025

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced that Earthbar, located in Terminal 6, is offering health-conscious options for travelers.

Apr 11, 2025

Avianca has announced the launch of a new route between Bogotá and Dallas, scheduled to commence on May 26.

Apr 11, 2025

Flying Food Group has announced a recruitment drive for multiple positions at its Newark, New Jersey facility.

Apr 11, 2025