JUSTIN WASTNAGE / GENEVA
Italian manufacturer to concentrate on special mission versions as it focuses efforts on government sales
Piaggio Aero is to focus Avanti marketing efforts on the government sector ahead of launching a new variant before the end of the year.
Piaggio says it is confident that its reorganised European operations will yield more sales of the P180 Avanti twin-pusher turboprop corporate aircraft, allowing it to concentrate on special mission versions. Details of the new model are scarce, but sources suggest it is likely to be a stretched version. The company will probably unveil minor updates, including a modified cargo door, in the interim.
Massimo Isidori, vice-president for aircraft sales in Europe and the Middle East, says that the Genoa, Italy-based company is focusing on selling an emergency medical services (EMS) version in Europe and North America. According to Isidori, the Avanti's tall, wide cabin makes it "ideal for high-speed casualty evacuation [casevac] and repatriation flights".
The cabin's high pressure differential of 0.62bar (9lb/in2) enables the aircraft to maintain a sea-level environment up to an altitude of 24,000ft (7,320m). Maintaining a sea-level environment is essential for transport of baro trauma (decompression sickness) sufferers, and Piaggio claims that in turbulent conditions the P180 is the only turboprop aircraft, due to its high wing loading, stable enough to be used for inflight cannulation (fitting intravenous drips).
The Italian government operates six P180s and is expected to order EMS versions this year. Other European governments have also shown an interest in the aircraft's casevac possibilities. It can operate from runways as short as 900m and cruise at 400kt (740km/h).
Isidori says the company can focus on the governmental sector because of the success of its sales structure. Late last month, the company announced its largest- ever order, with five aircraft going to a UK-based oil and gas company.
The first Avanti has also been sold in the Netherlands. The aircraft will join 30 registered in Europe, with 20 on order. Adrian Munday, sales director for UK and Ireland distributor Sloane Aviation, says he could sell "10 a year".
Piaggio is also expected to announce plans for new "evolutions" of the pusher.
Source: Flight International
