Piaggio Returns to Bizav’s Big Show under New Ownership

Piaggio Aerospace is making its first appearance at an NBAA-BACE show under the ownership of its new parent company, Baykar. In July, the Turkish defense group completed its acquisition of the Italian aircraft manufacturer, after an insolvency and restructuring process that stretched more than six years.

The distinctive P.180 Avanti Evo twin pusherprop flown to Las Vegas from Florida is one of more than 40 aircraft on the convention’s static display at Henderson Executive Airport. Its presence signals Baykar’s commitment to keeping Piaggio in the business aviation sector alongside its core activities in developing uncrewed air vehicles and military technology.

Baykar also might have ambitions to revive Piaggio’s planned P.1HH HammerHead medium-altitude long-endurance drone, which was based on the Avanti airframe.

In September, Italy’s Guardia di Finanza police force ordered a third P.180 Avanti Evo in what was Piaggio’s first aircraft transaction under its new ownership. The takeover by the Turkish group had to be approved by the Italian government, and Piaggio, which was founded in 1884, is now led by Giovanni Tomassini, who was promoted from COO to CEO in July.

In addition to private and business transportation roles, Avantis are also operated in a variety of governmental and military roles, including surveillance, environmental monitoring, and border protection. The aircraft is also available with an air ambulance cabin interior.