Piaggio Aerospace is going through a new phase after being acquired by the Turkish company Baykar, which is betting on the relaunch of the P.180 Avanti turboprop as a centerpiece to regain space in the global market.
Now rebranded as Baykar Piaggio Aerospace, the company announced robust investments in maintenance support, parts availability, increased production and modernization of avionics and engines, marking a broad industrial and commercial overhaul.
The P.180 Avanti, the Italian manufacturer’s most emblematic aircraft, is the pillar of this strategy. Since 1986, more than 250 units have been produced, with around 220 still in operation and more than 1.1 million flight hours accumulated. The model has evolved over the years with versions such as the Avanti II, Avanti EVO, EVO+ and, in the future, the Avanti Next.
The Italian Armed Forces are among the main operators, with recent deliveries of the EVO+ military variant, designated VC-180C, as well as modernization programs for older aircraft in the fleet.
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Executives from both companies highlight the multifunctional potential of the P.180, which can be used in VIP transport missions, air ambulance, maritime patrol and other specialized roles. According to the CEO of Piaggio Aerospace, Giovanni Tomassini, the new phase will allow significant advances in avionics and engines, combining Italian tradition with Baykar’s innovation capacity. The company also maintains strategic partnerships in the manufacturing and assembly of engine components, including agreements with French company Safran.
The president of Baykar Piaggio Aerospace, Haluk Bayraktar, announced ambitious plans to increase annual production of the P.180 from up to five aircraft to around 25 to 30 units. The project includes major upgrades such as new Garmin avionics, interior improvements, digital pressurization systems, satellite communications and increased maintenance intervals. With a strong presence in the United States — the model’s main market —, the company is also planning a new logistics center in the country, reinforcing its commitment to a sustainable future for the Avanti Next.
Source: The Aviationist | Photo: X @PiaggioA | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
P.180 Spotlight Features: A 4-Part Series – 1/4: Cruise Speed & Altitude ✈️ pic.twitter.com/ywflnUlVDm
— Piaggio Aerospace (@PiaggioA) December 16, 2025
