AirBaltic to acquire three electric Diamond trainer aircraft
AirBaltic’s pilot academy, airBaltic Training, is to acquire three all-electric eDA40s as part of a five-aircraft expansion of its fleet; bringing its total number of training aircraft to 15. The…
June 19, 2024
AirBaltic’s pilot academy, airBaltic Training, is to acquire three all-electric eDA40s as part of a five-aircraft expansion of its fleet; bringing its total number of training aircraft to 15. The three eDA40s and two additional DA42-VI aircraft will be delivered “gradually” until 2030.
The addition of the eDA40 (the all-electric derivative of the existing certified DA40 platform) represents a “significant milestone in [airBaltic’s] mission to provide top-tier, sustainable training for future pilots,” explained Pauls Cālītis, chief operations officer of airBaltic.
The as-yet uncertified eDA40 uses advanced Safran ENGEINeUS 125kW electric motors with over 94% efficiency, a dual string battery system and a fast charging solution that can recharge the aircraft in between 20 and 30 minutes, notes its manufacturer. Having made its first flight in July 2023, the eDA40 is set to be the first EASA/FAA CS/Part 23 certified electric aircraft.
“This investment underscores [airBaltic’s] commitment to embracing cutting-edge flight technology and sustainability in flight training,” said Jane Wang, sales director of Diamond Aircraft Austria. “We look forward to continuing our strong partnership and supporting their growth in the years to come”.
