A Middle East-based customer took delivery of a Diamond Aircraft Industries DA50 RG at the Dubai Airshow. Aviation Home Qatar’s Khalid Al Khater accepted the aircraft from Diamond representatives on the static display at the show site.
“I am very excited to be the owner of the first-ever DA50 RG in the Middle East and I am really looking forward to enjoying the unparalleled performance and economic benefits of flying such an aircraft, especially in this region,” said Al Khater, CEO of Aviation Home Qatar. “I do believe that we will soon see more DA50s flying in this region.”
He sees Diamond Aircraft as an innovative pioneer in the general aviation (GA) market. “They have always listened to the needs of GA pilots and flight schools,” he said. “With Diamond's jet-fueled aircraft, there was finally a solution, especially for regions where avgas is difficult to obtain.”
Al Khater said he has owned Diamond airplanes since the company introduced models powered by jet-fuel (diesel) engines. “I have owned a DA40, a DA42-VI, and a DA62, which I have flown in the Middle East and Europe, and have always been impressed with the performance,” he said. “My decision to buy the DA50 RG was a logical step.”
The DA50 RG is powered by an electronically controlled 300-hp Continental CD-300 jet-fuel engine and features retractable landing gear. Diamond claims the DA50 RG offers one of the largest luxury cabins in its class. The airplane consists mainly of carbon fiber composite materials and features Garmin G1000 NXi avionics. The interior can seat five occupants and has extra room for luggage.