Area Development
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Austrian-based Diamond Aircraft Industries, an aircraft manufacturer that builds single and twin-engine propeller aircraft and all-in-one remote sensing platforms, signed a partnership agreement that will establish the manufacturer’s presence at the University’s Daytona Beach, Florida campus.

As part of the agreement, Diamond will expand its current international Research and Development program and other initiatives working with Embry-Riddle students, staff and faculty from the university’s engineering and aviation colleges as well as its Eagle Flight Research Center.

“We are excited to grow our existing relationship with Diamond and to provide the opportunity for our students and faculty to get hands-on experience with such an innovative company,” said University president Dr. John P. Johnson. “Diamond shares our core commitment to not only being the best, but being the best when it comes to safety.”

Diamond is slated to start on-site operations by October 2013, with a later expansion into the 90-acre Embry-Riddle Research and Technology Park adjacent to the Daytona Beach Campus on Clyde Morris Boulevard.

With operations across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, Diamond has a long list of accomplishments that include synthetic vision technology, twin diesel power plants, serial hybrid electric aircraft, and pure algae-based biofuel. Embry-Riddle currently has the largest single fleet of Diamond’s DA42 aircraft in the United States at its two residential campuses.

“We expect a prosperous future in international cooperation and teamwork with Embry-Riddle, because we know the strong capabilities of the university in terms of research and development,” said Diamond Aircraft Industries’ CEO and owner Christian Dries.“Our target is to be quick on the market, and together with Embry-Riddle we believe that outstanding new technologies can be realized.”

Gov. Rick Scott said, “Florida is proud to have Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University helping our state lead the way in aerospace innovation and I was honored to present Dr. John Johnson with a Governor’s Business Ambassador Award at the Florida Pavilion Grand Opening yesterday. Private and public partnerships, such as Embry-Riddle and Diamond Aircraft, are critical to job creation, and this agreement demonstrates that our business development missions are working by providing job opportunities for Florida families.”