Was it really only early this year that Diamond announced certification approval for its DA-40TDI diesel-powered Star? Yes, it was, but the company says it has experienced unusually strong demand for this aircraft in Europe. Thus far, 25 of the diesel-powered Stars have been sold in Europe and the orders continue to pour in. The DA-40-TDI is powered by the Thielert Centurion 1.7 (formerly the TAE 125) diesel, an engine that debuted here at OSH several years ago. The attraction for European customers is obvious: Jet-A is less expensive than gasoline in Europe and more widely available. Since the Thielert engine uses less of it, it yields a dual advantage that halves the direct hourly fuel costs for the Star. How about a U.S. version? Not just yet, says Diamond, but as interest in diesels grows, we think the model will prove attractive here, too.
Diamond Diesel Goes Great Guns
Key Takeaways:
- Diamond's DA-40TDI Star, powered by the Thielert Centurion 1.7 diesel engine, was recently certified and has experienced unusually strong sales demand in Europe.
- The strong European demand is driven by the lower cost and wider availability of Jet-A fuel compared to gasoline, effectively halving the aircraft's direct hourly fuel costs.
- Though not yet available in the U.S., Diamond anticipates the diesel-powered model will become attractive there as interest in such aircraft grows.
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