Diamond Undergoes eDA40 Operational Evaluation with LAT

Diamond Aircraft, together with Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT), have joined forces under their strategic cooperation agreement to bring the all-electric eDA40 for professional flight training environments. Within the scope of this collaboration, together the two companies tested the eDA40 in a real training environment at Dübendorf airport.

Between 10-12 April, Diamond Aircraft and LAT conducted rigorous operational evaluations on the eDA40. LAT tested the aircraft in their professional flight training environment with the goal of assessing its practicality, efficiency, and overall impact on daily workflows. The results will help Diamond Aircraft to further develop the e-aircraft for flight training while providing valuable data as they explore how to best operate a mixed training fleet of eDA40s and conventional AUSTRO jet-fuel powered DA40 NGs.

Five flights were carried out involving four LAT pilots, working closely together with the Diamond Aircraft Austria team consisting of engineers and flight test pilots on-site. The product met their expectations, with LAT pilots reflecting on the ease of operation and how similar it handles to the DA40 NG. They also positively remarked that the aircraft has a lower noise level when flying by and is also quiet inside the cockpit.

The test also showed how the eDA40 integrates into existing workflows, enhancing efficiency without disrupting established processes. All participants expressed their satisfaction, emphasizing the product’s design and features.

“We are delighted to be part of the eDA40 development process. It gives us a deep understanding of the new technology used and enables us to use it for the most advanced training,” sums up Matthias Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa Aviation Training.

The eDA40, a derivative of the existing and certified DA40 series, shall be the first certified electric airplane in its category, according to the company. Basic EASA certification is expected for 2025.