Texas Southern University Expands Elite Flight Training Fleet with New Twin-Engine Aircraft

Texas Southern University expands its elite flight training program with a brand-new Diamond DA42 twin-engine aircraft, a milestone for the Houston-based program. The 2026 Diamond DA42 joins 12 Cirrus SR20s purchased in 2025, enabling multi-engine training that leads to the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) rating. The university’s facilities include a 20,000-square-foot hangar and 3,800 square feet of classroom and office space at the Houston Spaceport, supporting ongoing instruction and future aerospace coursework. TSU’s new aircraft complements its growing airline-pilot pathway affiliations, including Delta Propel, United Aviate, Southwest’s Destination 225°, and Republic Airways Pathway. Executive Director Dr. Terence Fontaine says the DA42 completes a pivotal piece of the program’s vision to rank among the nation’s top 10 aviation programs.