It is with profound sadness that we say goodbye to Michael Feinig – a long-standing colleague, former Managing Director, pioneer, and one of the people who helped shape our company from its earliest days.
His journey with us began in the days of Hoffmann Aircraft, long before Diamond Aircraft became the company we know today. For nearly three decades, Michael was part of an extraordinary period of transformation and growth. During this time, he held various positions across the company – from Head of Sales to senior leadership and Managing Director.
Michael’s lifelong passion for aviation, his broad experience and deep knowledge of our industry, as well as his strong relationships with customers, partners, and colleagues, made his contribution truly unique. Together with Christian Dries, the company’s owner at this time, Michael was one of the driving forces behind bringing the first Diamond aircraft to the U.S. market in the 1990s, helping to establish a presence that would become an important part of Diamond’s international story. He also recognized the potential of the Chinese market early on. Alongside Christian, he built strong relationships and laid the foundations for Diamond’s presence there.
Michael was there when many things were still being built, developed, and imagined. He embodied the pioneering spirit that has always defined our company – believing in new ideas and having the determination to turn them into reality. Colleagues who had the privilege of working with Michael remember him as an aviator at heart, a passionate pilot, and a true salesman in the very best sense of the word. He understood the market, but more importantly, he understood people. He knew our customers, recognized opportunities, and never stopped pushing for new ideas and innovation.
Companies are shaped by aircraft, innovations, decisions, and milestones. But their true story is written by people. Michael was one of those people.
For many of us, this loss is deeply personal. Friends and colleagues who started this journey alongside Michael are still part of our company today. They shared challenges and successes, important milestones and countless everyday moments with him. Those memories, friendships, and stories remain. His contribution will remain visible in what he helped build and in the people who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family, friends, and all those who were close to him. Thank you, Michael, for being part of this journey and for helping make Diamond what it is today. You will always remain part of our story.
Your Diamond Aircraft Team