Piaggio Aero Industries has clinched its biggest order for the P180 Avanti twin-pusher turboprop, with the sale of 24 aircraft to US fractional ownership operator Avantair. The New York- based company has also exercised an option, placed last year, for a further five aircraft. The deal, worth about $200 million, almost doubles, from 7% to 13%, Piaggio's share of the medium-turboprop sector. Deliveries will be from the second quarter of 2005 until 2007.
The order was prompted by the success of the Avantair programme, which operates seven Avantis and recently sold its last remaining shares. Canadian fractional Avia Aviation (Canada) operates three Avantis, and a further three aircraft are set for delivery early next year.
Meanwhile, Piaggio has delivered an Avanti to government-funded Polish air rescue service Lotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe. The deal is Piaggio's first government sale outside Italy and its first within central Europe for more than a decade.
Source: Flight International
