Hawker Pacific has sold two Diamond DA40-CS Lycoming aircraft and two Diamond DA20-C1 aircraft to China's Arena International Aviation.
Arena conducts flight training and charter operations in Port Macquarie, trading as Johnston Aviation Services.
The four aircraft, which will be delivered in April, are the first of 20 aircraft, which Arena has an option to buy. The aircraft will be used for flight training, catering for up to 300 Chinese students from Hainan Airlines.
John Oppenheim Hawker Pacific’s Sales Manager, Australia, NZ, the Pacific said: “Hawker Pacific very recently made the first-ever sale of a DA20-C1 fitted with the G500 Glass Cockpit within Australia and New Zealand and we’re thrilled to have another two secured in such a short time.
"Additionally, the DA40-CS is a fantastic machine that continues to be popular with flight training schools because of its versatility as it can be customised with many options to suit a range of missions. Together, the four aircraft are an all-round smart business decision for Arena, and we look forward to our continuing relationship with them.”
Kevin McMurtrie, Chief Pilot Arena Intenational Aviation outlined the company's plans for their training fleet.
“This is the first phase of our company’s training fleet renewal plan, with further DA20s and DA40s to be introduced in late 2013/early 2014," he indicated.
"The four new additions will be of immense benefit to our students in achieving their training goals, whilst providing us with low maintenance costs, high dispatch rates and efficiencies and savings in hourly operating costs due to the DA20 and DA40’s low fuel flow.
"The purchases represent our company’s development into the Chinese pilot training market as we continue to provide high levels of pilot license training that our students have come to expect.”