Story ID: 
Piaggio Delivers First Retrofitted Avanti II+
By: Gregory Polek
Caption: Upgraded Avanti now carries new configuration of Avanti II+
Word Count: 227
Piaggio Aerospace has retrofitted an initial P.180 Avanti I to a new Avanti II+ configuration for the Italian Air Force, the Italian manufacturer said today. Technicians and engineers upgraded, certified, and delivered the turboprop twin based on what the company calls the latest aeronautical technologies.
The delivery of the “leader aircraft,” which Piaggio will use as a model for 12 more Avanti II+ airplanes, marks a significant milestone in the Italian Armed Forces’ long-term fleet modernization program. The Italian military plans also include production of 15 new Avanti Evo turboprops carrying a new configuration of Avanti Evo+.
As part of the same program, a few days ago the first P.180 Evo+ left Piaggio Aerospace’s aerospace center of excellence in Villanova d’Albenga for its customer support facilities in Genoa, where it will undergo painting and furnishing after further tests. Both the modernized aircraft and the new-production Evo+s will come equipped with updated avionics, landing gear with enhanced steering, and anti-skid brakes.
The company entered extraordinary receivership proceedings in late 2018 and in June its commissioners received 18 expressions of interest for the purchase of Piaggio Aero Industries and Piaggio Aviation, both of which operate under the Piaggio Aerospace brand. Commissioners intend to identify a new owner for the company by year-end and have given themselves until May 13, 2024, to complete the transaction.