Against a backdrop of lagging overall piston sales - down 28% according to a recently released report by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) - Diamond delivered 101 units in the first quarter of 2008.

"101 units puts us in solid second place in total number of piston aircraft delivered. Outperforming all others and coming a close second only to Cessna is bittersweet success. Had it not been for a disruption of supply of TAE engines, we would have produced a total of 118 aircraft in Q1 and been able to claim number one spot in piston deliveries," explained Heike Larson, Diamond's VP of Sales and Marketing. "Although we are observing an overall softening of the market, our aircraft have always enjoyed success both as personal as well as flight training aircraft, keeping demand strong. The suitability of the DA40 as a leaseback airplane, combined with current US tax incentives and low long term financing make this the perfect time to acquire a Diamond Star for leaseback or personal business use."

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• Diamond Aircraft recorded strong sales in Q1 2008