Every day, the team at Aircraft For Sale chooses an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, a good deal, or has other qualities we find interesting. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.
Today’s Top Pick is a 2021 Diamond DA42.
In a market often dominated by designs from the mid-20th century, the Diamond DA42 stands out as a thoroughly modern machine. With its sleek, all-composite airframe and gull wing doors, it looks fast standing still, but its true revolution lies in its efficiency and ease of operation.
This 2021 model captures that spirit perfectly, offering a solution for flight schools or private owners looking for multi-engine safety without the punishing fuel bills of legacy twins.
The Diamond DA42, originally known as the “Twin Star,” redefined the light-twin market upon its introduction in the early 2000s. Developed by Austrian manufacturer Diamond Aircraft, it was the first new European twin-engine aircraft designed in over 25 years. It made aviation history in 2004 when it became the first diesel-powered, fixed-wing aircraft to complete a nonstop crossing of the North Atlantic, flying from Newfoundland to Portugal.
While early models used Thielert engines, Diamond later brought engine production in-house with the Austro AE300, a 168 hp turbo-diesel powerplant that runs on globally available jet-A fuel.
This specific 2021 DA42 is finished in a custom metallic royal blue-and-silver paint scheme that demands attention on the ramp. The airframe has logged 2,915 hours total time, a testament to its utility in a professional environment, yet it remains in excellent condition.
A significant value addition for the next owner is the engine status. The aircraft is powered by twin Austro AE300 engines, with one of these powerplants expected to be delivered with zero time, significantly resetting the maintenance clock.
![2021 Diamond DA42 [Credit: Aerista]](https://flyingmag1.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/aircraft-multi-engine-piston-dia-1.jpg?width=800&height=532)
The cockpit is equipped with the industry-leading Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite, featuring faster processing speeds and brighter displays than earlier generations. Situational awareness is maximized with Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT), ADS-B In/Out, SafeTaxi, and SurfaceWatch, while the GFC 700 digital autopilot handles the flying duties with precision.
Passenger comfort is ensured by a premium beige perforated leather interior in a four-seat club configuration, complete with factory-installed air conditioning—a critical feature for low-altitude operations in warmer climates.
Listed at $874,900, this Diamond DA42 offers a compelling mix of modern safety, jet-A economy, and IFR capability. Whether a flight school looking to expand its fleet or a private pilot stepping up to a twin, this aircraft represents a modern path to multi-engine mastery.
If you’re exploring ownership options, FLYING Finance can help get you airborne. Use our airplane loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or connect with an aviation finance expert at flyingfinance.com.
- FLYING Magazine: Diamond DA42 Twin Makes First SAF Flight
- FLYING Magazine: Lufthansa Commits to Eco-Friendly Training With Diamond DA42 Twins
- FLYING Magazine: Emirates Expands Training Fleet With Diamond DA42-VI
- Plane & Pilot: Plane & Pilot 2017 Buyer’s Guide: Piston Twins
- AVweb: FAA: Diamond DA42 Twin Star OK for Known Icing
- AVweb: Lyc-Powered DA42 Certified in Canada
- AVweb: Diamond Offers Continental Option for DA42
