Blue Line Aviation’s new FAA CFR 14 Part 60 Level 5 certified convertible simulation device for Diamond DA40/DA42 aircraft. (Photo: Blue Line Aviation, Diamond Aircraft)

Blue Line Aviation recently celebrated the grand opening of its new facility at Johnston Regional Airport (KJNX) in North Carolina, featuring a brand-new DA40/DA42 convertible Diamond Simulator.

The new 50,000-square-foot headquarters at KJNX for Blue Line Aviation is an investment matched with what represents one of the largest fleet orders in Diamond Aircraft history at 100 aircraft. First deliveries of the Diamond airplanes began last year.

This aircraft order has a significant impact on Canada’s aviation industry with Diamond Aircraft Industries’ operation in London, Ont., building the single-engine DA40 NG airplanes as part of Blue Line’s order. The twin-engine DA42-Vi aircraft are being built in Austria, which is where Blue Line’s new FAA CFR 14 Part 60 Level 5 certified convertible simulation device was also developed.

“It has been impressive to witness the growth at Blue Line Aviation,” said Annemarie Mercedes Heikenwälder, Head of Sales and Marketing, Diamond Aircraft Industries. “The team has made tremendous progress and we are proud to partner with them and continue to support their operation.”

With its expansion, Blue Line Aviation is noted as the fastest-growing Accelerated Aviation Training entity in the United States. The flight training facility features ample hangar space, a Professional Pilot Training Center, a rooftop barbeque restaurant with a terrace, a custom simulator room, an operations and dispatch center, flight briefing rooms and administrative offices.

“Our new multimillion-dollar facility at Johnston Regional Airport and supply of the best in industry featured aircraft from Diamond will enable the growth and expansion of Blue Line Aviation’s vision of high-quality Accelerated Flight Training,” said Rich Laviano, President, Blue Line, which was established in 2012.