Rome-Based Fleet to Expand Single Engine Trainer Lineup with Jet-A Powered DA40s

Urbe Aero Flight Academy placed an impressive order with Diamond, adding 7 more DA40 NGs and a DA42-VI to its 11-strong fleet in Rome.

Currently, the Italian flight school bases 7 DA20s, 2 DA40 NGs, and 2 DA42-VIs at Rome Urbe Airport, allowing it to continue flight training from zero to hero for students making their way into the airline pipeline. In outfitting their new purchases, Urbe Aero opted for the 168 hp Austro AE300 "diesel" engine, burning Jet-A to the tune of a 50% fuel savings. An added bonus for locals around Urbe is the Austro engine's lead-free, quiet operation compared to the standard IO-360 of the DA40 XLT. 

“Thanks to our shareholders' vision and passion for continuous innovation, our Flight Academy is now able to make this important acquisition to cope with current and future partnerships with European airlines,” stated Lorenzo Mezzadri, accountable manager of Urbe Aero Flight Academy. “The growth of our organization in the last twelve years and the huge number of young pilots we were able to prepare for the major airlines, is clear evidence of a basic solidity for a high-level service. With this investment, our fleet will reach 19 Diamond aircraft. Our continuous growth and these new projects would not have been possible without the important collaboration with Diamond Aircraft in which we believed from the very beginning.”

“Urbe Aero Flight Academy has been tremendously benefiting from operating aircraft by the same manufacturer for both single engine and multi engine training. Fleet commonality offers them more advantages, such as minimized instructor standardization, rapid student transition and reduced parts inventories. We are delighted about their successful development and are proud to be part of this exciting journey to move the aviation industry forward,” said Jane Wang, sales director for Diamond Aircraft Austria.

FMI: www.diamondaircraft.com