UAE – Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE), the parent company of the fast-expanding flight training group Intercontinental Aviation Academies (IAA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with training aircraft manufacturer Diamond Aircraft for the acquisition of 10 new training aircraft, underscoring its commitment to growing its multinational pilot training operations.

• The MoU includes eight DA40 NG and two DA42-VI aircraft, strategically configured for both A6 (UAE) and EASA registrations, supporting fleet standardisation across IAE’s training operations in the United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, Lebanon, Greece, and Portugal.

• Initial deliveries are scheduled to commence in Q2 2026, beginning with six DA40 NG and one DA42-VI aircraft, with delivery timelines to be finalised in upcoming negotiations.

• The partnership includes comprehensive support services such as instructor familiarisation, maintenance training, documentation packages, and spare parts provisioning to ensure operational readiness.

• The initial aircraft are expected to enter service at IAE’s new UAE facilities as the first batches of local cadets begin flight training in 2026

Statements

• “This agreement marks another milestone in our expansion strategy. Diamond Aircraft’s modern fleet supports our commitment to delivering safe, efficient, and globally standardised pilot training across all our bases. With demand accelerating, this partnership enables us to scale with confidence,” said Capt. Wissam Mehyou, CEO of Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise.

• “We are delighted to support IAE’s growth with our DA40 and DA42 platforms. Their multi-base training model aligns perfectly with our aircraft’s capabilities, efficiency, and safety profile. We look forward to advancing this partnership through the final Purchase Agreement,” said Anton Chirkovski, Head of Civil Aircraft Sales, Diamond Aircraft.

Source: Diamond Aircraft
Photo Credit: Diamond Aircraft