Charter a Diamond DA42 Twin Star

The Diamond DA42 Twin Star is a four-seat twin-engine light aircraft from Diamond Aircraft Industries of Austria - the aircraft that achieved the first non-stop Atlantic crossing by a diesel-powered aeroplane, pioneered Jet-A fuel operation in piston twins, and inspired the Aeronautics Defense Dominator MALE unmanned aerial vehicle. Wikipedia confirmed the DA42 was "Diamond's first twin engine design, as well as the first new European twin-engine aircraft in its category to be developed in over 25 years." The prototype first flew on 9 December 2002 and EASA IFR certification was granted in April 2004. Diamond Aircraft confirmed "on Monday August 16th, 2004, Diamond test pilot Gerard Guillaumaud ferried the DA42 Twin Star from London, Ontario, Canada to Porto, Portugal, with only one stop in St. John's Newfoundland - the transatlantic leg from St. John's to Porto (1,900 nm) was completed in 12.5 hours at an average fuel burn of 5.74 US gallons per hour total." Wikipedia confirmed "the DA42 became the first diesel-powered fixed-wing aircraft to perform a non-stop crossing of the North Atlantic." Wikipedia confirmed "by 2008 the DA42 held around 80% of the piston twin market." Following the insolvency of original engine supplier Thielert in 2008, Diamond introduced the DA42 NG with Austro AE300 engines in 2009 - the same Austro Engine subsidiary Diamond had founded specifically to develop diesel aircraft powerplants. Wikipedia confirmed "in June 2010, a DA42 powered by Austro AE300 engines became the first aircraft to be publicly flown on algae-derived jet fuel."

The Diamond DA42 Twin Star is an all-carbon-composite twin-engine light aircraft carrying 1 pilot and up to 3 passengers. The Austro AE300 diesel engines burn Jet-A fuel at 9 to 10 US gallons per hour total - making the DA42 one of the most fuel-efficient twin-engine aircraft ever built. Diamond Aircraft confirmed "the DA42 is readily capable of sustained flight using only a single engine" with single-engine climb of 270 ft/min. The DA42 is not a pressurised aircraft and does not carry a lavatory or catering. Charter prices start from approximately £200 per flight hour. For the full fleet see our private jet price guide or browse our complete fleet.

Why charter the Diamond DA42 Twin Star?

• First diesel-powered aircraft to cross the North Atlantic non-stop; 80% of the piston twin market by 2008; first algae-fuel flight June 2010; Dominator MALE UAV derivative - the most technically innovative light aircraft in the Private Jets UK fleet. Diamond Aircraft confirmed the August 2004 Atlantic crossing: St. John's to Porto at 1,900 nm in 12.5 hours at 5.74 US gallons per hour total fuel burn. Wikipedia confirmed the DA42 "held around 80% of the piston twin market" by 2008 - a market dominance achieved by the combination of diesel fuel efficiency, all-carbon-composite construction and Garmin G1000 avionics at a competitive price. Wikipedia confirmed "in June 2010, a DA42 powered by Austro AE300 engines became the first aircraft to be publicly flown on algae-derived jet fuel" - confirming the DA42 as the platform for sustainable aviation fuel development in the light aircraft category. Wikipedia confirmed the DA42 airframe "contributed towards the development of the Aeronautics Defense Dominator, a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle." Royal Thai Air Force, Ghana Air Force, Niger Air Force, Swiss Army and Ukraine Border Guard Service are confirmed military operators. For charter clients who appreciate technology-leading aviation, the DA42's list of firsts is unmatched in any aircraft at comparable charter rates;
• Austro AE300 diesel engines at 168 hp each; FADEC; Jet-A fuel; 9-10 US gallons per hour total; 13-hour endurance without auxiliary tanks; single power lever - the most fuel-efficient twin in its class. Lifestyle Aviation confirmed "the DA42 burns about 9 to 10 gallons per hour total, making it one of the most efficient twins in its class." Wikipedia confirmed "the DA42 possesses considerable endurance, being capable of performing 13 hour-long flights without carrying additional fuel tanks." The FADEC (full authority digital engine control) on each AE300 "constantly performs tasks such as managing rpm and fault-checking" - simplifying pilot workload and reducing the risk of engine mismanagement that causes most piston aircraft incidents. Lifestyle Aviation confirmed "feathering is as simple as flipping a single switch." The Jet-A fuel compatibility means the DA42 uses the same fuel as turbine aircraft and commercial airliners - available at every major airport and most private terminals in the UK and Europe. The AE300's diesel cycle burns more energy per litre than avgas, providing the DA42's exceptional range and endurance in a light airframe;
• All-carbon composite airframe; Garmin G1000 NXi with GFC 700 autopilot; TKS known-ice protection available; gull-wing access doors; retractable landing gear - the most modern light aircraft in the Private Jets UK fleet. Lifestyle Aviation confirmed "the airframe is entirely carbon composite for strength, light weight, and durability." Diamond Aircraft confirmed "the fully integrated Garmin G1000 NXi is complemented by a long list of avionics options including integrated weather radar and Synthetic Vision." The GFC 700 autopilot provides coupled IFR approach capability for instrument flight in UK and European weather. Lifestyle Aviation confirmed TKS known-ice protection is "available and widely equipped for all-weather capability." The hydraulically retractable landing gear reduces aerodynamic drag at cruise speeds compared to fixed-gear equivalents. The two forward gull-wing doors and large rear door provide comfortable access to all four seats. For charter clients who want the most modern avionics and materials technology in a light aircraft at minimum charter rates, the DA42 represents the current standard;
• Twin-engine safety with single-engine 270 ft/min climb; IFR certified; 18,000 ft ceiling; 180-190 kt cruise; the safest light aircraft configuration for overwater and mountain-terrain sectors. Wikipedia confirmed "the DA42 NG climbs at up to 270 ft/min at sea level in standard conditions on a single engine." Airforce Technology confirmed the DA42 "can climb at a rate of 5.0m/s" (984 ft/min) on both engines. The twin-engine configuration and FADEC-managed AE300 engines provide a safety margin unavailable in single-engine aircraft at comparable rates. IFR certification enables all-weather operations in the UK's frequently instrument conditions. The 18,000 ft ceiling (substantially higher than most light piston twins' practical altitude) provides weather avoidance on short sectors. For charter clients who want twin-engine overwater safety for Irish Sea, English Channel and North Sea crossings at the minimum available twin-engine rate, the DA42 provides it at lower operating costs than any other twin in the fleet;
• The lowest charter rate for a twin-engine IFR-certified aircraft in the Private Jets UK fleet; Jet-A fuel at avgas price advantage; lowest total operating cost per hour of any twin-engine aircraft. AlbaJet confirmed "the DA42 Twin Star is ideal for short charter flights, which can be performed at greater speed than by helicopter or by car, as well as in superior comfort." The DA42's operating cost of approximately $120-160 per hour (Lifestyle Aviation) is the lowest of any twin-engine aircraft - driven by Jet-A fuel (used at 9-10 gph total versus 18-25 gph for piston twins of similar capability), FADEC engine management eliminating mismanagement costs, and the carbon composite airframe's corrosion-free maintenance profile. For charter clients of 1 to 3 people on short UK and European sectors where the minimum available twin-engine rate matters and a small, modern, fuel-efficient aircraft is the specification, the DA42 is the appropriate choice.

Charter cost - Diamond DA42 Twin Star prices from UK airports

Hourly rates run from approximately £200 to £400 - the lowest available for a twin-engine IFR-certified aircraft in the Private Jets UK fleet, reflecting the DA42's light aircraft category, 3-passenger capacity and Austro AE300 diesel operating economy. For 1 to 3 people on short UK regional and European sectors where twin-engine safety, modern G1000 NXi avionics and minimum charter rates are the specification, the DA42 provides the combination at entry-level rates.

Indicative one-way prices from UK airports:

• London to Edinburgh - from £300 (3 passengers, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes);
• London to Paris - from £300 (3 passengers, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes);
• London to Amsterdam - from £250 (3 passengers, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes);
• Edinburgh to Inverness - from £200 (3 passengers, approximately 40 minutes);
• London to Dublin - from £250 (3 passengers, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes);
• Manchester to Belfast - from £200 (3 passengers, approximately 45 minutes);
• London to Nice - from £500 (3 passengers, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes).

Empty Leg flights appear on repositioning routes. See our Empty Legs page for current availability.

Ideal routes for the Diamond DA42 Twin Star

Best matched to short UK regional and European sectors where 1 to 3 passengers, twin-engine IFR safety, G1000 NXi avionics and the lowest available twin-engine charter rate serve time-sensitive point-to-point travel:

• Short UK regional sectors (40 to 90 minutes) where the DA42 provides twin-engine IFR safety at the minimum available multi-engine rate for 1 to 3 people. Edinburgh to Inverness, London to Edinburgh, Manchester to Belfast and London to Amsterdam are all within comfortable DA42 range. For 1 to 3 people on sub-90-minute UK sectors where twin-engine safety is preferred for the overwater components (Irish Sea, English Channel, North Sea) and the minimum available twin-engine rate is the selection criterion, the DA42 is the entry-level option. The G1000 NXi glass cockpit and IFR capability handle UK weather throughout the year;
• Cross-Channel and Irish Sea sectors where twin-engine safety over open water is the decisive specification at minimum charter rates. London to Paris (English Channel crossing), Manchester to Belfast (Irish Sea crossing) and London to Amsterdam (North Sea overwater segment) all involve overwater flight where twin-engine reliability provides reassurance unavailable in single-engine alternatives. The DA42's 270 ft/min single-engine climb rate and FADEC-managed AE300 engines provide confirmed engine-out performance over water at the lowest available twin-engine charter rate in the fleet;
• Long-range sectors up to 890-1,210 nm where the DA42's 13-hour endurance and Jet-A fuel enable direct routes unavailable to avgas-dependent light aircraft. London to southern Spain (approximately 950 nm), London to the Italian lakes (approximately 680 nm) and London to Portugal (approximately 1,050 nm) are within the DA42's confirmed range. The Jet-A fuel compatibility ensures refuelling availability at any European commercial airport. For solo pilots or couples on extended European touring without airline schedules, the DA42's endurance and Jet-A accessibility make long-range planning straightforward;
• Solo or two-person point-to-point business trips where the DA42's lowest charter rate makes private aviation genuinely cost-competitive with first-class rail or commercial airline for time-sensitive short sectors. For a single business traveller on London to Edinburgh or London to Paris with a specific departure time and no checked baggage, the DA42 at £200-300/hr provides private charter access at entry-level rates. The G1000 NXi autopilot and FADEC management make single-pilot IFR operation appropriate for qualified operators. The DA42 is the minimum viable private aircraft for one or two people requiring private aviation flexibility at the lowest possible rate;
• Aviation enthusiasts and owner-pilots who want to charter the most technically innovative light aircraft available, with Atlantic crossing heritage, algae fuel pioneer status and UAV programme association. The DA42's aviation heritage - first diesel Atlantic crossing (2004), first algae-fuel public flight (2010), 80% piston twin market share, Dominator UAV origin - provides a unique aviation history experience for clients who appreciate the technology behind the aircraft they fly. No other aircraft in the Private Jets UK fleet at any rate has a comparable record of aviation firsts in the light aircraft category.

Cabin and in-flight experience

The Diamond DA42 Twin Star is a four-seat light aircraft seating 1 pilot and 3 passengers. The cabin is compact: approximately 2.60 m long, 1.20 m wide and 1.20 m high. The two forward gull-wing doors and large rear door provide access to all four seats. The all-carbon-composite airframe is noticeably smooth and quiet for its class - the Austro AE300 diesel engines are significantly quieter than avgas piston twins at cruise. Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit displays are visible to front passengers. The DA42 does not carry a lavatory, flight attendant or catering - it is a light aircraft designed for efficiency and twin-engine safety rather than cabin luxury. Baggage is limited to a small rear compartment. TKS known-ice protection is available and widely fitted on UK-registered DA42s. The gull-wing doors open upward for step-in access with good headroom above the door frame.

• Cabin. ~2.60 m x 1.20 m x 1.20 m; 1 pilot + 3 passengers; gull-wing + rear door;
• No lavatory, flight attendant or catering - light aircraft category;
• Engines. 2 x Austro AE300 (168 hp each; FADEC; Jet-A diesel; 9-10 gph total);
• Avionics. Garmin G1000 NXi; GFC 700 autopilot; weather radar option; Synthetic Vision;
• Ice protection. TKS known-ice (widely fitted on UK aircraft);
• Landing gear. Hydraulically retractable tricycle;
• Propellers. MT 3-blade constant-speed; advanced blade geometry; low noise;
• Fuel. Jet-A (diesel cycle); available at all commercial airports; no avgas dependency.

Technical specifications

Diamond DA42 Twin Star vs similar aircraft

• Diamond DA42 Twin Star vs Piper Seneca V. The Piper Seneca V is a 5-seat unpressurised twin piston at £500-600/hr with counter-rotating Continental TSIO-360-RB engines at 220 hp each and 177 kt cruise. The DA42 counters with lower charter rates (£200-400/hr), Jet-A diesel fuel (9-10 gph vs Seneca's 30+ gph avgas), all-carbon composite construction, Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit and the Atlantic crossing heritage. The Seneca V counters with 5 seats (vs DA42's 3 passenger maximum) and a wider cabin. For 1 to 3 passengers where minimum rate and fuel efficiency are the criteria, the DA42 is the choice; for groups of 4 to 5 the Seneca V is required;
• Diamond DA42 Twin Star vs Britten-Norman Islander. The Islander is a 8-seat twin at £300-500/hr with Lycoming O-540 piston engines and island-hopping heritage. The DA42 counters with modern carbon composite construction, G1000 NXi glass cockpit, Jet-A diesel efficiency, retractable gear and higher cruise speed (180-190 kt vs Islander's 139-160 kt). The Islander counters with 8 seats, short-field performance, individual doors per row and 60 years of island-hopping heritage. For 1 to 3 people on sectors where speed and modernity matter at minimum twin-engine rates, the DA42 is appropriate; for groups of 6 to 8 the Islander is the only viable option;
• Diamond DA42 Twin Star vs Cessna 340A. The Cessna 340A is a pressurised twin piston at £400-600/hr with Continental TSIO-520-NB engines, 4.2 psi pressurisation and 29,800 ft ceiling. The 340A counters with pressurisation (vs DA42 unpressurised), 30,000 ft ceiling (vs 18,000 ft) and 4 passenger seats. The DA42 counters with dramatically lower fuel burn (9-10 gph Jet-A vs 340A's 25-30 gph avgas), carbon composite construction and Garmin G1000 NXi as standard. For clients requiring pressurisation the 340A is necessary; for 1 to 3 passengers where pressurisation is not required on short sectors, the DA42's fuel efficiency and modern construction are compelling at lower charter rates.

Frequently asked questions - Diamond DA42 Twin Star charter

How much does it cost to charter a Diamond DA42 Twin Star?
Charter rates run from approximately £200 to £400 per flight hour - the lowest available for a twin-engine IFR-certified aircraft. London to Edinburgh costs from £300 for 3 passengers. Edinburgh to Inverness costs from £200. London to Nice costs from £500. All quotes from Private Jets UK are fully itemised with no hidden charges.

What was the DA42's Atlantic crossing achievement?
Diamond Aircraft confirmed that on 16 August 2004, test pilot Gerard Guillaumaud flew the DA42 from London, Ontario, Canada to Porto, Portugal, with a single stop in St. John's, Newfoundland. The transatlantic leg from St. John's to Porto (1,900 nm) was completed in 12.5 hours at an average total fuel burn of 5.74 US gallons per hour. Wikipedia confirmed this was "the first diesel-powered fixed-wing aircraft to perform a non-stop crossing of the North Atlantic."

What fuel does the Diamond DA42 use?
The DA42 NG uses Jet-A diesel fuel in the Austro AE300 engines - the same fuel used by turbine aircraft and commercial airliners. Lifestyle Aviation confirmed total fuel burn of 9 to 10 US gallons per hour at 75% power. This Jet-A compatibility means refuelling is available at every commercial airport and most private terminals in the UK and Europe, with no dependence on avgas (aviation gasoline) which is increasingly scarce at smaller airfields.

Is the Diamond DA42 pressurised?
No - the DA42 is unpressurised with an 18,000 ft service ceiling. The cabin altitude equals actual flight altitude above sea level. For pressurised twin-engine light aircraft at comparable rates, the Cessna 340A (£400-600/hr; 4.2 psi; 29,800 ft ceiling) is the alternative in the Private Jets UK fleet.

What is the DA42 NG and how does it differ from the original DA42?
The DA42 NG (New Generation) replaced the original Thielert TAE Centurion 1.7 diesel engines with Austro AE300 engines when Thielert went insolvent in 2008. Wikipedia confirmed EASA certification for the Austro-powered DA42 NG in March 2009 and FAA certification in April 2010. The AE300 at 168 hp provides improved reliability, FADEC management and the same Jet-A fuel compatibility as the original Thielert engines. Diamond Aircraft is itself the parent company of Austro Engine, which developed the AE300 specifically for Diamond aircraft.