Piaggio P. 180 Avanti marks 40 years since first flight

The Piaggio P. 180 Avanti marks 40 years since its first flight on September 23, 1986. Originally developed in Italy as a high-speed executive transport, the aircraft is noted for its unique three-surface aerodynamic configuration and pusher turboprop engines designed to reduce drag.

Following a development partnership with Gates Learjet that ended in 1986, Piaggio continued independent development. The P. 180 family has now exceeded 270 total units sold across all variants. Recent commercial activity includes an order for two Avanti EVO models from a Turkish operator, bringing the total sales for that specific model to 40.

Piaggio Aerospace is currently undergoing a transition following an administrative restructuring process. The Turkish aerospace company Baykar is set to formally acquire Piaggio in June 2025, a move intended to ensure long-term production stability. The company is also developing the Avanti NX, for which it secured an initial order in April 2026.