Genoa October 21, 2005
Flight certification obtained for the P180

Genoa, October 21, 2005: Piaggio Aero Industries obtained certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency, EASA, today for its new P180 Avanti II, the world’s fastest turboprop.

The new aircraft gained official approval after an extensive development and test program program carried out under the supervision of the Italian National Civil Aviation Agency, ENAC, on behalf of EASA. US certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected within the next few weeks.

The P180 Avanti II is equipped with the fully digital, automatic flight control and displays of the latest generation Rockwell Collins “Pro Line 21” avionics system, the most advanced on the market today. This totally new and integrated digital avionics package provides the pilot with better situational awareness, resulting in even higher levels of safety, efficiency, flexibility and reliability.

“We are proud to have obtained the P180 Avanti II’s certification in such an extremely short time,“ declared Mr. Piero Ferrari, President of Piaggio Aero Industries. “This aircraft, with its new generation Pro Line 21 avionics, represents the next generation of Piaggio aircraft and we are delighted to present it to the business aircraft market. The engineers and technicians at Piaggio Aero have succeeded in enhancing an already incredible aircraft.”

The new Pro Line 21 avionics system enhances the traditional P180 characteristics, making Avanti II the most up-to-date and still fastest turboprop in production, more efficient and more flexible than most business jets. As the price of oil continues to escalate, so the fuel efficiency of Avanti II becomes more and more attractive to business aircraft owners in the years ahead. One hundred of Piaggio Aero’s flagship product, the Avanti, have already been delivered to an eager market with more than 70 aircraft in backlog for the Avanti II, having a total value equivalent to 450 million US Dollars.

Among the improvements, is an increase of the maximum take-off weight (MTOW) to 12,050 lbs (5466 kg), giving the P180 Avanti II greater payload range and operational flexibility. Later, next year will see the introduction of upgraded Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6-66B engines, providing higher performance, faster cruise speeds and more efficient operation.

Already renowned for having the largest and most comfortable cabin environment of any aircraft in it’s class, Avanti II will soon benefit from upgraded interiors giving passengers an even more stylish and comfortable environment. 

The Avanti already holds 11 world speed records, but the Avanti II will offer a maximum VFR range of 1,800 nautical miles ( 3300 km), a maximum cruise speed of 398 knots (738 km / hr 460 mph) and maximum operational ceiling of 41,000 feet (12.500 m).

Piaggio Aero plans to exhibit the first production model of the P180 Avanti II at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention, the prestigious international business air show held in Orlando, Florida, U.S.A., from the 9th to the 11th of November; Piaggio Aero Industries will feature on stand 4597.

From the 20th to the 24th November the aircraft will display in Dubai, the premier air show in the Middle East. This expanding market offers terrific potential and is one in which the P180 Avanti II has already drawn great interest, both for the civil and military version.
 
“The P180 Avanti II,” declared Mr. Josè Di Mase, CEO of the Italian company, “is the new frontier in executive flying.”