KATE SARSFIELD / LONDON
Company aims $5m twin pusher at growing eastern European interest in business aviation Piaggio Aero Industries is aiming for European Joint Aviation Authorities certification of its $5 million P180 Avanti by year-end as it seeks to stimulate orders for the twin pusher from within Europe's existing and emerging markets.
While the Italian manufacturer admits the USA is its largest market, accounting for around 60% of sales, Europe accounts for much of the remaining share with interest in the business aircraft gathering pace in former Eastern bloc countries and established markets, particularly the UK, where certification has so far proved a stumbling block for Piaggio. "The Avanti has received certification in numerous European countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. With our first UK delivery scheduled next month to Euroskylink and growing interest from other customers, we are keen to get JAA approval as soon as possible," says Piaggio vice-president of sales Massimo Isidori.
As an interim measure, start-up Euroskylink will operate under Italian charter company Fox Air's air operator's certificate (AOC).
Piaggio says it wants to be prepared for the market rebound, which it expects could begin by the middle of next year. "We are considering a number of improvements to the Avanti, but we cannot reveal our plans yet," says Isidori.
He suggests the company is performing well despite the weak market, with production this year set at 20 Avantis, up from 16 aircraft last year, 12 in 2001 and six in 2000. More than 60 Avantis have been delivered to date, including 18 to the Italian armed forces. French regional airline Pan European is also scheduled to take delivery of its first Avanti next month, as will a private customer in Germany, says Isidori.
Coventry-based Euroskylink has placed orders and options for five Avantis that will be used for ad hoc charter and medical evacuation operations. "As soon as the aircraft receives JAA certification and the UK Civil Aviation Authority approves our AOC, we will take delivery of the second aircraft," says Euroskylink managing director Philip Pardoe. The first Avanti will be delivered in quick change configuration, but as demand grows a dedicated air ambulance-equipped Avanti will be added to the fleet, Pardoe adds.
Source: Flight International
