Piper Aircraft Receives First U.S. Order for the Seminole DX from Skyborne Airline Academy
Piper Aircraft has announced the first domestic order of the newly introduced diesel-powered multi-engine trainer: The Piper Seminole DX.
Skyborne Airline Academy, a premier member of the Piper Flight School Alliance, has placed an order for five (5) Seminole DX aircraft, marking a significant milestone in advancing sustainable and performance-driven flight training.
Introduced in July 2025, the Seminole DX is gaining momentum among flight schools seeking a modern, more eco-friendly alternative to traditional avgas-powered aircraft. With unmatched performance and reliability, the aircraft boasts an estimated 35% reduction in fuel burn, a 32% increase in single-engine climb rate, and a 70% higher single-engine absolute ceiling. Equipped with state-of-the-art Garmin G1000 NXi all-glass avionics, the Seminole DX delivers cutting-edge technology tailored for advanced flight training.
Skyborne, located at Vero Beach Airport, will be the first domestic flight school to integrate the Seminole DX into its training fleet. This strategic investment underscores Skyborne’s commitment to delivering world-class, career-oriented pilot training using the most advanced aircraft available.
“Skyborne’s adoption of the Seminole DX reflects their forward-thinking approach and dedication to excellence in flight training,” said Ron Gunnarson, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Customer Support, and Quality at Piper. “We are proud to partner with an organisation that shares our vision for innovation and a more sustainable future in aviation.”
Skyborne joined the Piper Flight School Alliance in 2023 with an initial order of 11 Pilot 100i aircraft, which expanded to an order for over 30 aircraft shortly after. Their growing fleet positions them as a key partner in shaping the future of professional pilot development.
Lee Woodward, CEO, Skyborne, says: “The quality of our training is a reflection of the facilities, people and aircraft fleet that make Skyborne. As we continue to grow in the US, these aircraft will play a critical role in ensuring we consistently meet the expected high standards of flight training by our students. Our partnership with a trusted and reliable aircraft manufacturer ensures our students feel confident and safe during flight.”
Also Read: Piper Aircraft Awarded its Largest Domestic Trainer Order in Company History
