29 July 2025
Piper Aircraft has announced a significant fleet deal with the University of North Dakota’s School of Aerospace Sciences (UND Aerospace), covering up to 188 aircraft in a contract valued at around $155 million (£120 million).
The eight-year agreement includes an initial order for 145 aircraft, made up of Archer TX and Seminole trainers, with the potential to extend to 188 aircraft by 2036. This represents the largest aircraft order in UND’s history and a notable endorsement of Piper’s training platforms.
UND Aerospace operates one of the world’s largest university flight training fleets, with around 190,000 flight hours annually flown across its two campuses in North Dakota and Arizona. The school has used Piper aircraft for decades and cites their durability, ease of maintenance, and strong support as key factors.
“In today’s high-demand training environment, reliability and support are everything,” said Jeremy Roesler, Director of Flight Operations at UND. “The Archer and Seminole have proven themselves time and again in our high-tempo operation.”
The deal reinforces Piper’s status as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of flight training aircraft, with a strong foothold not only in the US but across global aviation training programmes.
For more see Piper Aircraft and Seminole DX powered by DeltaHawk V4 diesel
