The Piaggio Owners and Pilots Association (PAPA) held its first annual meeting in Galveston, Texas, bringing the U.S. P.180 Avanti community together for two days of discussions, networking, and activities centred on the P.180 and its owner community in the United States.

The inaugural meeting brought together P.180 owners and pilots, along with their partners and family members, representatives from Piaggio Aerospace and its network of service centers, as well as industry partners and parts suppliers. Set against the backdrop of Galveston’s Gulf Coast, the gathering provided an excellent opportunity to meet fellow P.180 owners, exchange experiences, as well as engage with Piaggio representatives and learn more about the latest developments surrounding the P.180 Avanti.

Piaggio Aerospace joined the inaugural meeting with a six-member delegation led by CEO Cristian Toninelli, including executives from the aftermarket, marketing, and communications departments, as well as Lead Test Pilot Lorenzo Villi. The company also brought a P.180 Avanti EVO to Galveston, giving attendees the opportunity to view the aircraft up close and engage with the Piaggio Aerospace team about its capabilities and ongoing development.

Sixteen P.180s, spanning the aircraft’s different variants, including the Avanti I, II, and EVO, gathered at Scholes International Airport in Galveston for the occasion, providing a fitting backdrop for PAPA’s inaugural meeting. The event followed shortly after the P.180 celebrated the 40th anniversary of its first flight in September 1986, adding further significance to the occasion.

Over the two-day program, members took part in a series of sessions covering topics of interest to P.180 owners and operators, including aircraft operations, maintenance, and other aspects of aircraft ownership. The program also included presentations on Piaggio Aerospace’s service plans, the history and evolution of the P.180, and a look at the future of the aircraft from the company’s Head of Design & Brand Alberto Caruso. Members also heard a message from Piaggio Aerospace’s Chairman and insights from Piaggio’s Lead Test Pilot. Alongside the program, there was plenty of time for networking and socializing with fellow owners, operators, industry partners, and the Piaggio Aerospace team.

The first annual gathering of the Piaggio Owners and Pilots Association brought together members of the P.180 community for an opportunity to connect, exchange experiences and perspectives, celebrate the aircraft, and further strengthen connections across the P.180 community. The event builds further on the continued engagement between P.180 owners and Piaggio Aerospace, with further events to bring the community together to come.

About the Piaggio Owners and Pilots Association

Founded in 2026, the Piaggio Owners and Pilots Association is an independent, US-based community for owners and pilots of the P.180 Avanti. By bringing the Piaggio community together, PAPA provides a platform to share knowledge and experience, exchange ideas, and help members get the most from their aircraft and the ownership experience.

PAPA is independent of Piaggio Aerospace and serves as the collective voice of its members. In this capacity, PAPA may engage with manufacturers, service providers, regulatory authorities, and other industry organizations on matters relevant to the Piaggio P.180 Avanti community.