Diamond Aircraft Selects Garmin's G1000 System for New DA42 TwinStar

OLATHE, Kan./PR Newswire — Garmin® International Inc., a unit of Garmin® Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), today announced that Diamond Aircraft Company has selected the Garmin G1000 integrated avionics system as the standard avionics suite for the Diamond DA42 TwinStar aircraft. The G1000 all-glass flightdeck on the TwinStar’s panel will feature a 10-inch primary flight display (PFD) and 10-inch multi-function display (MFD) in landscape orientation.

"This announcement is another exciting step in our partnership with Diamond Aircraft, in which we are bringing business jet-class technology to an affordable general aviation cockpit," said Gary Kelley, Garmin's director of marketing. "The G1000 system allows us to deliver outstanding situational awareness to the TwinStar pilot by integrating capabilities like aircraft attitude, engine instrumentation, weather data link, traffic and terrain data."

True to Garmin's tradition of technology innovation, the modular design and open architecture of the Garmin G1000 integrated avionics system makes it possible to provide the same state-of-the-art functionality to a broad range of aircraft. Flight-critical information is uniquely integrated and digitally depicted on the large-format PFD and MFD to simplify operation, enhance situational awareness and increase flight safety. The color TFT displays on the G1000 system boast XGA (1024x768) resolution with wide viewing angles and direct sunlight readability. Additionally, the DA42 TwinStar configuration will include the following:

• Digital audio control system
• Dual integrated radio modules that provide WAAS-capable IFR oceanic-approved GPS; VHF navigation with ILS; and VHF communication with 16-watt transceivers and 8.33-kHz channel spacing
• Mode-S transponder with Traffic Information Service
• Solid-state Attitude and Heading Reference System
• Digital air data computer

"Garmin's all-glass cockpit perfectly complements the set of new technologies — including the modern composite design and highly efficient, FADEC-controlled Thielert turbo-diesel power plants," said John Gauch, Diamond's vice president of sales and marketing for North America. "The G1000 avionics system offers an increased level of situational awareness, further enhancing the many safety advantages of the TwinStar."

The Diamond DA42 TwinStar is an all-composite, twin-engine piston aircraft that offers outstanding performance and value to its pilots and owners. Its excellent performance, ease of operation, and low acquisition and operating costs combine to make the TwinStar a viable competitor to high-performance, single-engine aircraft — while providing enhanced twin-engine safety.

Diamond Aircraft expects to begin delivery of the DA42 TwinStar in 2004.

Garmin International Inc. is a member of the Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN) group of companies, which designs and manufactures navigation, communication and information devices — most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin is a leader in the general aviation and consumer GPS markets and its products serve aviation, marine, outdoor recreation, automotive, wireless and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200. GARMIN is a registered trademark, and G1000 is a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

Diamond Aircraft is a leading manufacturer of composite aircraft that use new technology when appropriate to significantly benefit their customers. As the only manufacturer offering both two- and four-seat certified aircraft, the company is geared to serving both the training market as well as the recreational flying market. For information on Diamond Aircraft, call 888-359-3220 or visit the website at www.diamondair.com (North America) or www.diamond-air.at (International).

Notice on forward-looking statements:
This release includes projections and other forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Any statements regarding the company’s future financial position, revenues, earnings, product introductions, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of risk factors affecting Garmin. Information concerning risk factors that could affect Garmin's actual results is contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2002 filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of Garmin's Form 10-K can be downloaded from www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html.