Alerts Sign-up
The Diamond D-Jet, an ambitious project by Austrian manufacturer Diamond Aircraft, aimed to penetrate the very light jet (VLJ) market with a cost-effective and efficient design. Introduced in 2006, the D-Jet was envisioned as a single-engine VLJ targeting pilots looking for an entry-level jet with straightforward handling and low operational costs. At its launch, the VLJ market was expanding, with companies like Eclipse Aviation and Cessna introducing models for private owners and small businesses.
Priced initially at $1.38 million, the D-Jet offered a more affordable alternative to larger business jets. It was designed to be flown by owner-pilots without requiring a professional crew. The prototype's first flight took place in April 2006, but despite promising test flights, the project encountered delays due to technical adjustments and financial constraints.
The global financial crisis of 2008 had a severe impact on the aviation industry, reducing demand for light jets. By 2013, Diamond Aircraft suspended development of the D-Jet indefinitely because of financial difficulties, leaving the project incomplete despite significant progress.
