Global flight training group Airways Aviation, which operates pilot training academies across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and India has shared that its France base Airways Aviation ESMAhas been appointed as a Gold Diamond Service Centre. This prestigious designation by Diamond Aircraft, reflects the excellence in maintenance, aircraft management, and customer service provided by its maintenance and engineering services.

Operating as an EASA-certified maintenance and aircraft management organisation with approval number FR.CAO.0090, Airways Aviation ESMA has demonstrated unparalleled expertise in maintaining and enhancing Diamond aircraft, as well as other industry-leading models.

Operational Excellence in 2024

In 2024, Airways Aviation ESMA carried out an impressive array of maintenance and inspections, emphasizing its technical proficiency:

• 12x 2,000 Flight Hour Inspections
• 15x 1,000 Flight Hour Inspections
• 22x 200 Flight Hour Inspections
• 39x 100 Flight Hour Inspections
• 4x Diamond DA40 aircraft rebuilt from long-term storage to full operational capability
• 10x engines replaced across several Diamond DA40 and DA42 aircraft

Expanded Capabilities and Innovations

Airways Aviation ESMA’s capabilities grew significantly during the year, with the acquisition of an Aircraft Paint Cabin that enabled the flight school to paint several complete Diamond DA40 aircraft and numerous DA42 fuselages and wings, ensuring superior aesthetics and enhanced functional finishes.

In addition, Airways Aviation ESMA undertook several complex composite structural repairs, including challenging wing repairs on DA40 and DA42 aircraft, thereby ensuring the structural integrity and airworthiness of these advanced machines.

Its expertise in aircraft modifications was further evidenced by the installation of new Bubble Canopy designs in 3x DA40 aircraft, improving pilot comfort and visibility.

On the avionics front, Airways Aviation ESMA successfully completed SBAS LPV Garmin equipment installations in 2x DA42 aircraft, thereby improving navigation accuracy and enhancing operational capabilities.

Digital Transformation and Efficiency Gains

In 2024, Airways Aviation ESMA achieved complete operational digitisation, eliminating all physical paperwork. The result is a fully digital workflow with Work Orders (WOs) and digital checklists, streamlining our processes and significantly increasing the efficiency of our technical office.

“Being designated as a Gold Diamond Service Centre and Austro Service Centre adds to our long-standing authorisation as a Continental Service Centre for Diesel Engines (Centurion). These accolades reaffirm our position as a trusted and versatile maintenance organisation for Diamond aircraft and beyond.

As we close a remarkable year, Airways Aviation ESMA remains committed to setting higher benchmarks in the aviation maintenance sector. We thank our clients and partners for their trust and look forward to continued excellence in 2025 and beyond,” said José António Costa, Chief Technical Officer, Airways Aviation.

About Airways Aviation ESMA
Operating in Montpellier, in the south of France, Airways Aviation ESMA is one of the largest aviation training organisations in Europe, active since 1988. Over the years, we have trained thousands of pilots, cabin crew, maintenance technicians, ground handlers, and other aviation professionals. As part of the Airways Aviation Group — the largest privately owned aviation training organisation outside the US, with a direct presence in 14 countries across 4 continents and over 45 years of experience — we offer a comprehensive range of aviation training programmes. These range from pilot and cabin crew training to maintenance technician and ground handling courses, as well as military and higher education programmes in cooperation with respected universities.

Source: Airways Aviation ESMA
Photo Credit: Airways Aviation ESMA