Ethiopian Airlines has taken delivery of two DA42 pilot training aircrafts on Thursday 29 September 2011 from Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH of Austria for an order placed in May, 2011.

The new Diamond DA42 twin star is a four seat, twine engine, propeller driven airplane was certified in Europe in 2004 and in the United Sates in 2005. Ethiopian has also bought and received ten Diamond DA40NG Training Aircrafts from the same company earlier this year.

The welcoming event held at Ethiopian Airlines head quarters, was graced by CEO of Diamond Aircraft Manufacturing Company Mr. Christian Dries. He said, “We are proud to deliver our ultra modern training aircraft to our trusted customer, Ethiopian Airlines and our partnership will further extend in every technical aspects.”

The new training aircrafts will replace the piper 34s which served Ethiopian for over two decades. This investment will enable Ethiopian maintain the on-going training to a higher level.

The Pilot Training School of Ethiopian Airlines has recently started a Multi Crew Pilot License Training Program (MPL) which enables pilots to fly a multi-crew, multi-engine and technologically advanced aircraft.

The Ethiopian Airlines Aviation Academy provides qualified training programs for Pilots, Aviation Maintenance Technicians, Cabin Crew and Marketing and Finance personnel since its inception in 1956.