Frank Zhang

CEO, Diamond Aircraft, Diamond Aircraft

Search every verified Frank Zhang interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. At the AERO 2022 trade show in Friedrichshafen, Frank Zhang, CEO of Diamond Aircraft, discussed the company's activities and strategy. He highlighted the successful round-the-world flight of the DA‑50, which he said began in January 2022 and concluded around April 22. According to Zhang, the aircraft flew 220 hours over nearly four months without any accidents or unscheduled maintenance, including a 13-hour leg from the U.S. mainland to Honolulu. He described the flight as demonstrating the aircraft's capability and noted that two pilots who completed the journey would be present at Diamond's stand to share their experience. Zhang also outlined Diamond Aircraft's production strategy, stating that the company follows a "local for local" approach. He said planes produced in China remain in the Chinese market, Canadian production serves North and South America, and Austrian production serves Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. He expressed optimism about customer demand, reporting that many potential buyers at the show skipped detailed product introductions and instead asked "where can I sign the contract." Zhang characterized this as an encouraging sign for both Diamond and the general aviation industry.