airBaltic Training, subsidiary of airBaltic, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Diamond Aircraft for the acquisition of three all-electric types: one eDA40 and two DA42-VI aircraft.
The acquisition of these new aircraft will round airBaltic Pilot Academy’s fleet to 15 aircraft. The signing further underscores the airline’s commitment to the expansion of its academy, and to sustainable aviation. airBaltic’s continuation of its partnership with Diamond Aircraft will also see the delivery of an additional five jet-fueled piston-engine aircraft until 2030.
Pauls Cālītis, Chief Operations Officer of airBaltic said: “The upcoming arrival of these innovative aircraft is a significant milestone in our mission to provide top-tier, sustainable training for future pilots. We are dedicated to expanding our fleet with cutting-edge technology to meet the growing demand for highly skilled aviation professionals.”
The eDA40 will be the first EASA/FAA Part 23 certified electric airplane in its category. The 2-3 seat aircraft will be powered by an 80kwh battery, with a range of 117nm and an endurance of 74 minutes, including reserves. The battery system is a dual string system, and fast charging, one that can recharge the aircraft in 20-30 minutes, reducing downtime and increasing training efficiency.
Photo: airBaltic
“We are excited to announce that our long-term customer airBaltic Training will acquire our all-electric eDA40 and additional DA42-VI aircraft. This investment underscores their commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology and sustainability in flight training,” said Jane Wang, Sales Director Diamond Aircraft Austria.
airBaltic recently added its 10th Diamond DA40 NG aircraft into its training fleet. It currently has 136 active students at its Pilot Academy, with around 99 students so far joining airBaltic after graduation.
