54-620: Diamond Aircraft Industries is a manufacturer of general aviation aircraft and motor gliders , based in Wiener Neustadt , Lower Austria , Austria. It has been a subsidiary of the Chinese company Wanfeng Aviation since 2017. It is the third largest manufacturer of aircraft for the general aviation sector, and has operational facilities in both Lower Austria and Ontario, Canada , as well as further production lines operated as joint ventures in other nations, such as China. The company
108-850: A 280 shp (208 kW) four-stroke jet-fuel engine . A first flight was scheduled for the autumn of 2018, with certification forecast for a year later but this did not come to pass. In December 2017, Wanfeng Aviation purchased the remainder of the shares in Diamond. At the December 2018 MEBAA , the Saudi Arabian National Company of Aviation- CAE Inc. Training Centre in Dammam ordered 60 single-engine DA40 NG and twin-engine DA42-VI, to be delivered over five years, with Garmin G1000 NXi glass panels and diesel engines. Diamond
162-635: A basic configuration. When launched in 2001, the DA40TDI was the first production aircraft powered by a single diesel -based piston engine. In 2002, a new programme to develop an aircraft equipped with twin diesel engines, the Diamond DA42 Twin Star, was launched. During May 2004, the DA42 received certification. Even prior to its introduction to service, a heavy order book for the DA42 had already been accumulated, and plans had been mooted for
216-515: A definition of general aviation which includes aerial work. General aviation thus represents the " private transport " and recreational components of aviation, most of which is accomplished with light aircraft . The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) defines civil aviation aircraft operations in three categories: General Aviation (GA), Aerial Work (AW) and Commercial Air Transport (CAT). Aerial work operations are separated from general aviation by ICAO by this definition. Aerial work
270-431: A major aircraft manufacturer for general aviation purposes. According to Michael Feinig, a future managing director of the company, the firm's leadership had recognised that there was a market for a range of modern light aircraft, and that the general aviation sector had been then dominated by mostly old designs from established manufacturers. By taking advantage of innovations in avionics and manufacturing technologies,
324-509: A negative impact on the rest of the company’s operations. [The debts are] at a level that would be very difficult to satisfy out of piston sales," he said. "I’ll let you do the extrapolation." By the end of March 2011, with a federal election in full swing and no sign of the requested federal government loans coming, the company laid-off 213 London -based employees, mostly on the D-Jet program. Company CEO Peter Maurer stated, "We are hopeful that
378-537: A new supply-orientated subsidiary, named Diamond Aircraft Croatia, was established to perform the manufacture of labour-intensive composite parts in a new purpose-built factory in Varaždin , Croatia . In December 2008, the company informed employees by mail that, as a consequence of the economic situation , they would be laying off 100 workers from the company's Austrian facility in Wiener Neustadt. At that time,
432-582: A second manufacturing facility located in London, Ontario , Canada . By this point, the company considered itself to be secure in its dominance of the European market, and sought to be embraced by American operators as well. Prior to 1996, the Canadian branch operated under the name Dimona Aircraft , this was changed to Diamond Aircraft in 1996, while the parent company remained as HOAC at this time. In 1993,
486-411: A technical and fiscal nature. Speaking in 2004, Feinig stated of the company's ambition "Our vision is to be number one manufacturer of propeller-driven single and twins... and we aim to hold that position within five years". During 2001, aircraft deliveries totalled 176; during 2003, deliveries had risen to 263. In 2004, deliveries were forecast to climb as high as 850 aircraft per year in 2008. In 2005,
540-411: A wide variety of aircraft: light and ultra-light aircraft, sport aircraft , homebuilt aircraft , business aircraft (like private jets ), gliders and helicopters . Flights can be carried out under both visual flight and instrument flight rules, and can use controlled airspace with permission. The majority of the world's air traffic falls into the category of general aviation, and most of
594-640: Is accomplished with light aircraft . The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) defines civil aviation aircraft operations in three categories: General Aviation (GA), Aerial Work (AW) and Commercial Air Transport (CAT). Aerial work operations are separated from general aviation by ICAO by this definition. Aerial work is when an aircraft is used for specialized services such as agriculture, construction, photography, surveying, observation and patrol, search and rescue, and aerial advertisement. However, for statistical purposes ICAO includes aerial work within general aviation, and has proposed officially extending
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#1732798644413648-560: Is defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as all civil aviation aircraft operations except for commercial air transport or aerial work, which is defined as specialized aviation services for other purposes. However, for statistical purposes, ICAO uses a definition of general aviation which includes aerial work. General aviation thus represents the " private transport " and recreational components of aviation, most of which
702-462: Is not judicious to up that by another $ 35 million. We hope the company Diamond continues to be part of the scene in London. We do not wish for its demise." Maurer indicated that the company was still working on private investment options but that would take more time and that in the meantime they were continuing to lose their laid-off staff. He also stated, "We have been very clear that without this loan,
756-493: Is not limited to: Commercial air transport includes: However, in some countries, air taxi is regarded as being part of GA/AW. Private flights are made in a wide variety of aircraft: light and ultra-light aircraft, sport aircraft , homebuilt aircraft , business aircraft (like private jets ), gliders and helicopters . Flights can be carried out under both visual flight and instrument flight rules, and can use controlled airspace with permission. The majority of
810-655: Is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority . The main focus is on standards of airworthiness and pilot licensing , and the objective is to promote high standards of safety. General aviation is particularly popular in North America, with over 6,300 airports available for public use by pilots of general aviation aircraft (around 5,200 airports in the U.S. and over 1,000 in Canada ). In comparison, scheduled flights operate from around 560 airports in
864-488: Is testing automatic landing procedures, and is developing a hybrid electric quad - tiltrotor prototype using technology tested in their E-Star . General aviation General aviation ( GA ) is defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as all civil aviation aircraft operations except for commercial air transport or aerial work, which is defined as specialized aviation services for other purposes. However, for statistical purposes, ICAO uses
918-588: Is when an aircraft is used for specialized services such as agriculture, construction, photography, surveying, observation and patrol, search and rescue, and aerial advertisement. However, for statistical purposes ICAO includes aerial work within general aviation, and has proposed officially extending the definition of general aviation to include aerial work, to reflect common usage. The proposed ICAO classification includes instructional flying as part of general aviation (non-aerial-work). The International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA) refers to
972-591: The Flight magazine's Eagle Award for best light aircraft in the same year. During 1997, the delivery of the 500th DV20 occurred; it was also in this year that the introduction of the DA20-C1 took place, which had improved performance and load capabilities. The DA20-C1 Eclipse (an improved version of the DA20-C1) also entered production. In 1998, the parent company was renamed Diamond Aircraft GmbH to better align with
1026-448: The Civil Aviation Authority . The main focus is on standards of airworthiness and pilot licensing , and the objective is to promote high standards of safety. General aviation is particularly popular in North America, with over 6,300 airports available for public use by pilots of general aviation aircraft (around 5,200 airports in the U.S. and over 1,000 in Canada ). In comparison, scheduled flights operate from around 560 airports in
1080-539: The Government of Canada . If both federal and provincial loans were provided then, combined with funds already provided, the total provincial and federal government investment would have been $ 100 million. Maurer indicated "If we don’t get the funding from the federal government, it puts us in a difficult situation. If the D-JET, for example, in a worse [ sic ] case scenario, were not to continue it would have
1134-620: The 21,000 civil aircraft registered in the United Kingdom, 96 percent are engaged in GA operations, and annually the GA fleet accounts for between 1.25 and 1.35 million hours flown. There are 28,000 private pilot licence holders, and 10,000 certified glider pilots . Some of the 19,000 pilots who hold professional licences are also engaged in GA activities. GA operates from more than 1,800 airports and landing sites or aerodromes , ranging in size from large regional airports to farm strips. GA
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#17327986444131188-660: The Austrian-built DV20 Katana received certification, clearing the type for its entry to service. According to aerospace publication Flight International , the DV20 "confirmed Diamond as a serious contender for the light aircraft crown". An improved model of the DV20, designated as the DA20, was developed for North America and was manufactured in Canada; the first Canadian-built DA20 was delivered in 1995. It received
1242-416: The D-Jet program is at risk here in London. Diamond’s future is at risk here." Maurer indicated that when upcoming loan repayments are due that the company cannot meet those obligations out of propeller aircraft sales and without an infusion of capital cannot get the D-Jet to market. On 13 November 2011, Diamond announced that a majority share of Diamond Aircraft Holdings, Canada, the Canadian operating arm of
1296-409: The GA fleet accounts for between 1.25 and 1.35 million hours flown. There are 28,000 private pilot licence holders, and 10,000 certified glider pilots . Some of the 19,000 pilots who hold professional licences are also engaged in GA activities. GA operates from more than 1,800 airports and landing sites or aerodromes , ranging in size from large regional airports to farm strips. GA is regulated by
1350-621: The H36 Dimona as a basis. This would result in the production of the DV20 Katana , a Rotax 912 -powered two-place light aircraft, which was the company's first production general aviation aircraft. During 1991, Hoffman's parent company was renamed HOAC AG and was purchased by the Dries Family. In 1992, as a measure to establish a strong foothold with the competitive North American market, owner Christian Dries decided to launch
1404-581: The U.S. According to the U.S. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association , general aviation provides more than one percent of the United States' GDP , accounting for 1.3 million jobs in professional services and manufacturing . Most countries have a civil aviation authority that oversees all civil aviation , including general aviation, adhering to the standardized codes of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Aviation accident rate statistics are necessarily estimates. According to
1458-518: The U.S. According to the U.S. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association , general aviation provides more than one percent of the United States' GDP , accounting for 1.3 million jobs in professional services and manufacturing . Most countries have a civil aviation authority that oversees all civil aviation , including general aviation, adhering to the standardized codes of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Aviation accident rate statistics are necessarily estimates. According to
1512-454: The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board , general aviation in the United States (excluding charter) suffered 1.31 fatal accidents for every 100,000 hours of flying in 2005, compared to 0.016 for scheduled airline flights. In Canada, recreational flying accounted for 0.7 fatal accidents for every 1000 aircraft, while air taxi accounted for 1.1 fatal accidents for every 100,000 hours. More experienced GA pilots appear generally safer, although
1566-454: The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board , general aviation in the United States (excluding charter) suffered 1.31 fatal accidents for every 100,000 hours of flying in 2005, compared to 0.016 for scheduled airline flights. In Canada, recreational flying accounted for 0.7 fatal accidents for every 1000 aircraft, while air taxi accounted for 1.1 fatal accidents for every 100,000 hours. More experienced GA pilots appear generally safer, although
1620-417: The category as general aviation/aerial work (GA/AW) to avoid ambiguity. Their definition of general aviation includes: General aviation thus includes both commercial and non-commercial activities. IAOPA's definition of aerial work includes, but is not limited to: Commercial air transport includes: However, in some countries, air taxi is regarded as being part of GA/AW. Private flights are made in
1674-646: The company announced the establishment of a joint venture that sought to produce the DA-40 light aircraft in China . In 2004, the company opened its new 100,000 sq ft (9,300 m) composites facility in Austria; it housed production of wings and fuselages for the DA42 and the in-development D-Jet, and supported Diamond's ambitions to boost annual production capacity to 600 aircraft, around half of which will be shipped to Canada for final assembly. Also during 2004,
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1728-412: The company laid off the majority of its Canadian staff and ceased work on the D-Jet program, indicating that the company needed to reorganize. Staff working on completing aircraft orders and parts support were retained. By mid-2014, some staff had returned to work. In March 2012, company CEO Christian Dries indicated that the market focus of the company had been changed by the recession of 2008-10 and that
1782-469: The company reestablished its main production facility in Wiener Neustadt , Lower Austria . During the late 1980s, amid the various corporate changes in both identity and ownership, the company's management had proceeded with its work towards the goal of rapidly expanding Hoffman's product range. In line with this mission statement, it had been decided to develop a new two-seat aircraft, the HK36R , which used
1836-400: The company registered a 33% increase in sales in 2011 over the previous year. Diamond delivered 185 aircraft in 2011, compared to 139 in 2010. However, the sale to Medrar was never completed as a result of the firm failed to come up with the agreed money. Diamond continued operations, using funding from its own shareholders. In late February 2013, having not located further operational funding,
1890-612: The company was deriving two-thirds of its revenue from military and government contracts, primarily for manned and unmanned surveillance versions of its DA42 . In April 2012, the company announced the Diamond Hero , an autonomous operation helicopter unmanned aerial vehicle . On 13 December 2016 Diamond sold a 60% share of its Diamond Aircraft Canada operation to the Wanfeng Aviation, part of Chinese conglomerate Wanfeng Auto Holding Group . Diamond Aircraft characterized
1944-601: The company was developing a single-engined very light jet , the Diamond D-Jet , intended for both private and military customers. However, due to the Great Recession , development of the jet slowed and was ultimately discontinued in 2013. In 1981, a new company, Hoffmann Flugzeugbau, was founded by aircraft designer Wolf Hoffmann in Friesach , Carinthia , Austria ; it was formed with the ambition of becoming
1998-477: The company, had been sold to Medrar Financial Group , an investment company based in Dubai , United Arab Emirates for an undisclosed amount. The move was intended to provide continued production of the company's piston-engine line and also allow development of the D-Jet project to continue. The announcement of the investment, along with gradually improving economic conditions, seemed to increase customer confidence as
2052-539: The definition of general aviation to include aerial work, to reflect common usage. The proposed ICAO classification includes instructional flying as part of general aviation (non-aerial-work). The International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA) refers to the category as general aviation/aerial work (GA/AW) to avoid ambiguity. Their definition of general aviation includes: General aviation thus includes both commercial and non-commercial activities. IAOPA's definition of aerial work includes, but
2106-498: The development of a dedicated unmanned air vehicle (UAV) platform based upon the type. This would be introduced as the Aeronautics Defense Dominator , a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which was used for aerial surveillance duties. In 2003, Diamond announced the launch of its light jet program, known as the Diamond D-Jet . This five-seat single engine jet aircraft
2160-451: The facility employed 700 of the company's 2,100 worldwide workforce. The wider market for general aircraft had plummeted as an impact of the Great Recession ; the gradual recovery from this event would take many years and would not be without consequence on several of Diamond's existing production lines and development programmes. In March 2011, the president and CEO of Diamond Aircraft Canada, Peter Maurer, indicated that his company's future
2214-547: The federal election if support was not forthcoming. Dries issued a denial of the conversation, but Holder insisted that was correct and suggested that Diamond look to the province or the city for the money instead. Following the 2 May 2011 federal election, which returned a majority Conservative government, Industry Minister Tony Clement announced that the government had rejected Diamond's loan request. Clement stated "We are stewards of taxpayers dollars and we have risked, quite rightly, $ 20 million in taxpayer dollars to date, and it
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2268-422: The government will give this matter urgent attention and provide the requested assistance". During April, Diamond indicated that it needed C$ 8M from the federal government over the next four months as an interim measure. Local Conservative Party of Canada Member of Parliament Ed Holder stated that Diamond owner Christian Dries had told him that he would close the London plant and announce the closure just before
2322-537: The market could be entered by a capable competitor. Hoffmann Flugzeugbau quickly set about the development of a suitable aircraft to launch its product range with. Accordingly, during the early 1980s, the company launched production of a two-seat all-composite motor glider , initially known as the H36 Dimona . The H36 demonstrated the company's ambition to raise both the quality and performance of such aircraft while making them available at competitive prices. The type
2376-613: The naming convention of the North American operation. The company also purchased the Wiener Neustadt East Airport in that same year. The firm continued to work on multiple new aircraft types in order to further grow its product line; these were developed in line with a company-wide philosophy of seeking to offer aircraft that lacked any equivalent in terms of performance to any existing major product being produced from any of its competing manufacturers; this
2430-440: The relationship between flight hours, accident frequency, and accident rates are complex and often difficult to assess. A small number of commercial aviation accidents in the United States have involved collisions with general aviation flights, notably TWA Flight 553 , Piedmont Airlines Flight 22 , Allegheny Airlines Flight 853 , PSA Flight 182 and Aeroméxico Flight 498 . General aviation General aviation ( GA )
2484-561: The sale as a "strategic reinvestment" and indicated that the move would allow a re-assessment of the suspended D-Jet program. At the April 2017 AERO Friedrichshafen show, along with diesel variants of the DA50 , the composite Diamond DART 280 light-single piston-engined helicopter concept was launched. It will compete with the Robinson R44 with a 1,350 kg (2,980 lb) MTOW and
2538-485: The world's air traffic falls into the category of general aviation, and most of the world's airports serve GA exclusively. Flying clubs are considered a part of general aviation. In 2003, the European Aviation Safety Agency was established as the central EU regulator, taking over responsibility for legislating airworthiness and environmental regulation from the national authorities. Of
2592-433: The world's airports serve GA exclusively. Flying clubs are considered a part of general aviation. In 2003, the European Aviation Safety Agency was established as the central EU regulator, taking over responsibility for legislating airworthiness and environmental regulation from the national authorities. Of the 21,000 civil aircraft registered in the United Kingdom, 96 percent are engaged in GA operations, and annually
2646-520: Was a measure to consciously avoid instances of direct head-to-head competition. In 1997, the Diamond DA40 a four-place IFR aircraft, received certification; it was followed by the twin diesel engine DA42 in 2004. According to Flight International, the DA40 was capable of outperforming many similar aircraft which at that time had carried substantially greater purchase costs than the DA40 outfitted with
2700-496: Was founded by Austrian aircraft designer Wolf Hoffmann in 1981, at which point it was known as Hoffmann Flugzeugbau . Its first aircraft, a motor glider initially known as the HK36 Dimona , became a commercial success and led to improved models and further types of aircraft derived from it. Following several changes in ownership and naming, the company received the name Diamond Aircraft Industries in 1998. By this point, Diamond
2754-409: Was in doubt and relied on getting the D-Jet to market, as piston sales remained slow since the start of the Great Recession in 2007. To get the D-Jet into production the company found $ 20 million in private investment, plus the commitment of an additional $ 35 million from the Government of Ontario . The Ontario government investment was contingent on Diamond also securing an additional $ 35 million from
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#17327986444132808-436: Was marketed towards the emergent very light jet market, and was considered to be a major diversification for the company. Nonetheless, Feinig was confident on the prospective demand for the type, forecasting that around 15 per cent of demand for the D-Jet would come from existing Diamond customers. Development of the D-Jet, unlike the majority of the company's programs, would be protracted as a result of numerous factors, of both
2862-625: Was producing a range of light aircraft , including the Dimona, the Diamond DA20 , and the in-development Diamond DA40 . In 2004, Diamond introduced its first multi-engined aircraft, the Diamond DA42 Twin Star . Demand from government operators led to the development of the Aeronautics Defense Dominator , a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used for aerial surveillance . For several years,
2916-542: Was relatively successful, becoming the biggest-selling motor glider in Europe and, by 2004, four separate versions of the Dimona - which were marketed as the HK36 Super Dimona or Xtreme - were available for purchase. In 1985, the company was renamed Hoffman Aircraft Limited and became a subsidiary of Simmering-Graz-Pauker AG , which resulted in the company's headquarters being relocated to Vienna . During 1987,
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