Italian charter company Executive Blue plans to begin operations in December with its first of two Piaggio Aero Industries P180 Avanti twin pusher turboprops. The second aircraft is scheduled to join the fleet in the second quarter of next year.
The Rome-based operator, a corporate aircraft subsidiary of Italian charter airline Blue Panorama, is targeting high net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs and corporate flight departments that are seeking a flexible and convenient alternative to airline travel. Executive Blue plans to offer ad hoc and block charter packages and has reserved 10% of its traffic for tour operators. Blue Panorama says following a strong market response to Executive Blue it may expand its P180 fleet.
Meanwhile, Piaggio's US-based subsidiary Piaggio America plans to relocate its North American headquarters in the first quarter of 2004, from Greenville, South Carolina, to Jet Aviation's West Palm Beach, Florida, facility. The decision follows the signing last month of a long- term tenant deal with Jet Aviation to occupy hangar and office space at their facility. As part of the deal, Jet Aviation will outfit Avanti aircraft for Piaggio America, the support arm for the P180 on the continent.
Source: Flight International
