Air India’s Diamond Trainers Touch Down: Shaping Future Pilots Across 6,700 KM

GURUGRAM- Air India (AI) has officially welcomed two Diamond DA42NG trainer aircraft, which journeyed from Vienna (VIE) to Amravati, making a significant step forward in its pilot training program.

The aircraft are now stationed at Amravati Airport in Belora, where they will play a crucial role in supporting Air India’s upcoming flying training organization, aiming to promote long-term self-sufficiency in aviation training in India.

Air India’s Diamond Aircraft for Pilot Training

In 1932, J.R.D. Tata made a historic flight from Karachi to Bombay via Ahmedabad in a De Havilland Puss Moth, marking the inception of civil aviation in India with Tata Airlines, which eventually became Air India.

Fast forward ninety-three years, the introduction of two Diamond DA42NG aircraft symbolizes a new chapter in aviation, emphasizing the importance of pilot training domestically and fostering future capacity.

These planes comprise the first two of 34 trainer aircraft ordered by Air India in December 2024.

These aircraft will be pivotal for South Asia’s largest flying training organization, being established in Amravati, Maharashtra.

Additionally, Air India has imported 13 single-engine trainer aircraft from Piper Aircraft, Florida, enhancing its training fleet.

This comprehensive approach aims to create a solid training framework to meet Air India’s long-term pilot demands.

The flying training organization in Amravati is set to train around 180 cadet pilots annually, reducing the reliance on foreign training and ensuring consistent adherence to airline standards.

After completing primary training at Amravati, cadet pilots will move on to Air India’s Aviation Academy in Gurugram for advanced certification to operate commercial aircraft within the fleet.

Ferry Flight Across 6 Countries

The two Diamond DA42NG aircraft took off from the Diamond Aircraft factory in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, on December 7, 2025.

Their journey began with one aircraft flying along the Adriatic coastline to Dubrovnik, Croatia, while the other took a route via Mykonos, Greece.

They subsequently followed a shared pathway through Heraklion in Crete, Hurghada in Egypt, Al-Qassim in Saudi Arabia, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and Muscat in Oman before entering Indian airspace.

Both aircraft covered nearly 6,700 kilometers and landed across six countries during their journey.

Operational Aspects of the Flight

During much of the journey, the aircraft remained below 15,000 feet, allowing for stable operations and effective fuel management.

On certain segments, altitudes reached close to 20,000 feet, contingent on air traffic and weather conditions.

The longest leg of the flight lasted around four hours and thirty minutes, garnering interest from aviation aficionados globally, given the rarity of long-range ferry flights in this class of aircraft.

Even though the aircraft operated under temporary test registrations, they proudly showcased Air India’s new livery, which attracted attention at airports along the route.

The Diamond DA42NG serves as an excellent choice for multi-engine and instrument training, providing cadet pilots with essential experience for complex commercial operations.

Customs Clearance and Arrival

The aircraft landed in Ahmedabad on December 10, 2025, for the necessary import and customs procedures.

This acquisition was facilitated through GIFT City in Gandhinagar, India’s first International Financial Services Centre, ensuring a smooth regulatory process.

After receiving clearance, the aircraft completed their last flight leg to Belora airfield in Amravati. A new runway and additional infrastructure are ready to support more trainer aircraft, paving the way for full operational capabilities.