Lufthansa Aviation Training to be launch customer for Diamond’s all-electric eDA40

Diamond Aircraft Austria and Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to jointly explore more sustainable flight training. 

The cooperation includes testing of the all-electric aircraft, an eDA40 purchase to supplement LAT’s current DA40 NG fleet as well as analyses for the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). With its #MakeChangeFly programme, the Lufthansa Group has the goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050 and cutting its net carbon emissions in half by 2030 compared to 2019.

“We have enjoyed a long and trusting partnership with Diamond Aircraft,” said Matthias Spohr, CEO Lufthansa Aviation Training. “Diamond Aircraft’s fuel-efficient DA40 and DA42 models are already operating very successfully at our flight schools in Rostock and Grenchen.”

Spohr added, with the signing of the LoI, the two firms are now jointly opening a “groundbreaking chapter in the topic” of sustainability. “This topic is of particular significance for our European Flight Academy, which is known for its high and globally recognised quality standards in selection and training. The testing of the all-electric eDA40 is an important step towards future pilot training in an even more environmentally friendly manner.”

Liqun Zhang, CEO Diamond Aircraft Austria and Matthias Spohr, CEO Lufthansa Aviation Training sign the LoI at Diamond Aircraft’s headquarters in Austria. (credit: Diamond Aircraft)

The eDA40 will be tested at LAT’s Switzerland base in Grenchen. Results will help to further develop the aircraft for flight training. LAT has declared its intention to be the eDA40 launch customer for the EASA region and purchase a number of eDA40 for their flight training programme.

Liqun (Frank) Zhang, CEO, Diamond Aircraft Austria said: “Creating an eco-conscious and cost-effective option for the training market has always been at the core of Diamond Aircraft. The eDA40 with its proven airframe, the quick recharge capability and the low operating cost will be an excellent aircraft for LAT’s carbon neutral approach. With our agreement we expect a huge step towards a greener aviation future and to develop the most advanced electric training aircraft in the world.”

eDA40 first trial phase at LAT’s Grenchen, Switzerland base is expected to take place between the end of 2023 and beginning of 2024, after technical clearance is provided.