Diamond Aircraft is set to bring back one of its most recognizable models. The Austrian manufacturer announced that it is restarting European production of the DA20i Katana, a lightweight two-seat trainer that helped define the company’s early success. Diamond has declared that order books are now open at its factory in Wiener Neustadt, Austria.
The decision follows growing demand from flight schools, flying clubs and private pilots looking for more affordable and efficient aircraft. While production of the DA20 series continued in Canada, the European line has been dormant for more than a decade. With the relaunch, Diamond aims to meet local demand with a modernized version of the original composite design.
The new DA20i Katana will be powered by the Rotax 912 iSc3 Sport engine, a fuel-injected powerplant known for low emissions and economical operation. It replaces the older carbureted engines that equipped earlier Katanas and promises quieter, smoother performance and lower operating costs — qualities that should appeal to European flight schools.
In the cockpit, the DA20 has been upgraded with the Garmin G500TXi glass flight deck. The system features high-resolution touchscreens, synthetic vision, terrain and traffic awareness, and faster data processing.
According to Diamond, the redesigned panel improves situational awareness and reduces pilot workload, creating a cleaner training environment. Combined with the aircraft’s predictable handling and good climb performance, the DA20i Katana aims to offer an ideal bridge between basic trainers and more complex types.
Jane Wang, Diamond Aircraft Austria’s Director of Sales, Marketing, and Flight Operations, noted that the return of the Katana reflects both nostalgia and practicality. “This aircraft has always held a special place in the hearts of pilots and instructors,” she said. “With its new upgrades, it’s ready to inspire the next generation of aviators.”
The DA20’s composite airframe, first introduced in the 1990s, remains largely unchanged. Its lightweight structure and low drag give the aircraft an efficient flight profile and durability proven over thousands of training hours. Diamond continues to tout its ease of maintenance and long service life — important for operators managing high-utilization fleets.
Production of the North American DA20-C1 model in Canada, powered by the 125-horsepower Continental IO-240-B32B engine, will continue independently. The Austrian-built DA20i Katana will focus on the European market, with certification and support handled directly through Diamond’s headquarters.
The manufacturer provided neither production targets nor delivery timelines, but the reintroduction signals confidence in a market that has grown tighter in recent years. Flight schools have struggled to replace aging fleets amid rising costs and long lead times for new aircraft. The DA20i Katana, positioned as a modern yet accessible platform, could help to fill that gap.
Diamond’s announcement also reflects a broader trend in general aviation, namely renewed investment in piston trainers. With pilot shortages driving demand for new entrants, manufacturers are now modernizing proven designs rather than developing all-new airframes.
For Diamond, the Katana’s comeback reinforces its commitment to the training segment that built its reputation. It also extends a lineage that has evolved into the DA40, DA42, and DA62 family — aircraft that now serve both training and commercial roles around the world.