Lays Groundwork For Austro Engines Upgrade Path

Hoping to keep its current customers appeased while awaiting a replacement for the Thielert engines currently found in DA42 Twin Stars, Diamond Aircraft has announced a new DA42 Customer Assistance Program, providing a path towards upgrading current aircraft to the upcoming Austro Engines powerplant.

The program is also intended to "indirectly subsidize" increased TAE engine operating costs, brought about by the TAE insolvency. Diamond notes it is working not only to certify the Austro Engine AE 300 in the DA42 -- including a retrofittable upgrade kit to convert existing customer aircraft to the upcoming AE 300 engine -- but to also offer STC alternative support and maintenance solutions to existing Thielert engines.

"We are expending significant resources on these extensive programs in our very best effort to protect our existing customers, regardless of the possible outcome of the TAE insolvency," said Peter Maurer, President of Diamond Aircraft Industries. "The potential of upgrading existing DA42's -- to deliver greatly improved performance, reliability and manufacturer support -- will greatly enhance their value and best protect the investment that our customers have made in their aircraft. We are introducing our Customer Assistance Program to offer meaningful assistance and benefits to all of our valued customers." 

The DA42 Customer Assistance Program includes an up to 30% subsidy of the cost of the optional Austro Engine retrofit, when it becomes available for retrofit, to compensate for TAE support or AOG costs. The program also offers participants priority position for Austro Engine retrofit kits.

While customers wait for the new engine (or, if they opt to roll the dice and continue with Thielert power) Diamond will offer a 30% discount on any TAE-engine specific parts and services that are under development by Diamond (STC), when those become available. Diamond will also offer an immediate 20% discount on all Diamond DA42 airframe parts, and a 12-month extension of the airframe parts warranty.

The planemaker stresses program participants aren't required to decide on the Austro upgrade route until performance and pricing are announced... but adds the AE 300 upgrade will result in "a significantly better-performing airplane," with 26% more horsepower than the TAE-equipped version (340 vs 270 hp) and improved specific fuel consumption. 

Diamond also expects the AE 300 to result in superior resale values over TAE-powered DA42s, "especially since new DA42 'NG' (next generation) models are expected to be priced significantly above the historic selling price of TAE-equipped aircraft."

What About Position Holders?

As for those who are still waiting for their DA42s -- and have had those orders slip far past the target delivery dates due in part to Thielert's plummet into insolvency -- Diamond is offering several options. As ANN has reported, Diamond plans to certify a Lycoming-powered variant of the DA42 (below), and will offer existing position holders credit towards the purchase of the Avgas-powered aircraft.

Customers may also chose to take immediate delivery of a TAE-powered DA42 -- of which Diamond has a "very limited" supply -- and then sign up for the aforementioned DA42 Customer Assistance Program. Customers may also apply their earlier DA42 deposit towards an Austro-powered plane, and receive a credit proportional to the equity they've built up between the base price of their contract and the last published base price of $532,675.

Diamond also says DA42 position holders may cancel their order, and earn a $20,000 credit towards the purchase of another Diamond aircraft, or request a deposit refund.

"Diamond enjoys a great, loyal and supportive customer base. With the uncertainty regarding resumption of TAE powered DA42 production and viable options now on the horizon, we designed this program to offer maximum flexibility to our DA42 position holders," said Heike Larson, Diamond's VP Sales and Marketing. "Whether they remain true to their dream of flying the most modern light GA aircraft in existence, want to fly now, transfer their interest and equity to the DA42 NG, DA42 L360, the DA50 or D-Jet, or if regrettably they have simply chosen to move on, this program offer addresses all options."

FMI: www.diamondaircraft.com