The history of Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH goes back to 1989 when Frank Thielert, as sole proprietor, founded Thielert Motoren for the specialized development of high-performance engines and precision engine components for prototypes, pre-production, and automobile racing. The company quickly developed an international reputation for racing engines and mechanical and electronic engine components.

Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH was founded ten years later with the goal of developing its own engine series for general aviation that would not be dependent on the usual aviation gasoline. With the development and certification of the CENTURION® 1.7, which was the predecessor to the CENTURION® 2.0, Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH was able to transfer the evolutionary leap in diesel technology for motor vehicles over to the manufacture of kerosene piston aircraft engines for general aviation.

Although the CENTURION® engine series meant that the company was the sole supplier of series production kerosene piston aircraft engines and enjoyed a significant technological advantage over its competitors, the company got into financial difficulties at the start of 2008. In April, both Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH and its parent company, Thielert AG, Hamburg, had to declare insolvency. Since then, operations of Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH have been carried on without restrictions by the insolvency administrator, Dr. Bruno M. Kübler. All existing certifications, permits, and operating licenses were retained and, by June, the company was able to restart engine production and the supply of spare parts. Engine development continues unabated.

The commencement of insolvency proceedings on 1 July, 2008 the search for a suitable investor has been initiated. Despite the good progress made in reorganizing the company, this first investor process came to a standstill as a result of the global financial crisis. Accordingly, Kübler focused on taking the company back to profitability and developing and improving engines. Liftime extensions for parts were improved as well as the company achieved new certifications for regional markets and the new product Centurion 2.0s with 155 HP. Todady Thielert is a reorganized, healthy company and is the global market and technology leader for general aviation diesel engines. For future growth the investor search process is still underway.