GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC
Former Bombardier executive Tom Appleton has joined Piaggio Aero Industries as chief executive of the Italian business aircraft manufacturer's North American arm. Appleton replaces Steve Hanvey, founding president of Piaggio America, who is stepping down after accomplishing the company's initial goal of reintroducing the Avanti P180 in North America.
Before retiring last year, Appleton was president of Bombardier's Amphibious Aircraft division, Before that, he was executive vice-president of the Canadian manufacturer's Regional Aircraft division. Jim Holcombe, Piaggio America's executive vice-president, sales and marketing, has been promoted to chief operating officer.
Greenville, South Carolina-based Piaggio America was formed in 2000 to relaunch the twin-turboprop P180 in the USA. There are now 34 Avantis operating in North America, supported by seven service centres, and Piaggio has a backlog of more than a year's production, around 70% of which is intended for US customers.
Production, running at 15-20 aircraft a year, is set to increase, says Appleton. Most sales so far have been to owner/operators, but corporate flight departments are beginning to consider the Avanti seriously because of its combination of speed and economy, says Holcombe. Additionally, two North American regional fractional-ownership companies have begun operating the P180 in the past year: New York-based Avantair, which has four aircraft and five more on order; and Calgary-based Avia Aviation, which has two aircraft and five on order.
"We are starting to see more interest among traditional corporate aircraft operators," says Holcombe. The $5.5 million P180 has a cruise speed that is competitive with light jets, but a roomier cabin and 30-40% lower fuel consumption, says Hanvey.
Appleton, meanwhile, sees a special-mission market for the Avanti, noting the recent sale of air ambulance aircraft to Poland.
Source: Flight International
