Diamond Aircraft has signed an agreement that will allow Brazilian aeronautical technology company Aeromot to assemble DA62 piston twins. Using kits provided by Diamond Aircraft Canada, Aeromot will build the DA62s at its recently announced CTAero complex in Guaíba, Brazil. Diamond and Aeromot stated that they are aiming to reach an output in Brazil of more than 50 units a year.
“The global demand for general aviation aircraft is huge,” said Diamond Aircraft Canada CEO Kevin Sheng. “Especially the Brazilian and South American market in general has seen a strong growth and we believe that now is the right time to look for opportunities to expand production and sales in this region. The state-of-the-art luxury twin DA62 with outstanding economics and space is a great fit for the South American market.”
While a date was not given for the start of assembly, the companies say the first aircraft built by Aeromot will be delivered by 2025. Aeromot intends to initially sell the DA62s it assembles in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, with plans to expand if the market develops. Aeromot has been a distributor and authorized service center for Diamond Aircraft since 2016.
Any information why they are building in Brazil instead of expanding the facilities in Canada? Output of an additional 50 or fewer airplanes doesn’t seem to warrant a new facility. Is there a longer term plan to shift all assembly to a lower cost location?
I think the Canada factory simply can’t keep up with the demand, with a backlog through 2024 already. The article says more than 50, which is approaching the total number of DA62s shipped worldwide in 2022 (based on GAMA Q3 numbers).
BRICS — Chinese interests now own Diamond, and the Chinese government is keen to push the BRICS thing — they are even planning naval war games for February off South Africa with the South African navy, and best friends Russia. Brazil was invited but the new government thought better of it.
So I am sure Diamond got some strong government pressure to invest in Brazil.
I am afraid John P. is correct. The same government intent upon over-running Taiwan has already conquered our aircraft industry. We American aviators should stand up and take notice of what is happening around us. Its not just the old Mooney Aircraft or Continental Motors, its wide-spread investment in American and European Aviation interests by the Chinese and I fear it does not bode well for any of us.