Piaggio Aerospace is entering 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 central pillar to regain ground in the global market.
Now renamed Baykar Piaggio Aerospace, the company has announced robust investments in maintenance support, parts availability, increased production, and the modernization of avionics and engines, marking a broad industrial and commercial overhaul.
The P.180 Avanti, the most iconic aircraft of the Italian manufacturer, is the cornerstone of this strategy. Since 1986, more than 250 units have been produced, with around 220 still in operation and over 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 military EVO+ variant, designated VC-180C, as well as modernization programs for older aircraft in the fleet.
Executives from both companies highlight the P.180’s multifunctional potential, which can be employed in VIP transport missions, air ambulance roles, maritime patrol, and other specialized functions. According to Piaggio Aerospace CEO Giovanni Tomassini, the new phase will enable significant advances in avionics and engines, combining Italian tradition with Baykar’s innovation capabilities. The company also maintains strategic partnerships in the manufacturing and assembly of engine components, including agreements with the French group Safran.
Meanwhile, Baykar Piaggio Aerospace President Haluk Bayraktar announced ambitious plans to increase annual P.180 production from up to five aircraft to around 25 to 30 units. The project includes deep upgrades such as new Garmin avionics, interior improvements, digital pressurization systems, satellite communications, and longer intervals between maintenance operations. With a strong presence in the United States — the model’s main market — the company also plans a new logistics center in the country, reinforcing its bet on 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
