Piaggio logged its largest-ever sale yesterday— a blockbuster
$230 million deal for 36 Avanti II twin-turboprop pushers for fractional
provider Avantair. "This agreement is the single largest sale in the history of
Piaggio Aero," said Tom Appleton, Piaggio America president and CEO. For
Avantair, the deal will boost its all-Avanti fleet well above the current 21
aircraft. "Avantair has experienced remarkable growth during the past two
years," said Steve Santo, president and CEO of the fractional provider. "We are
proud to be the only fractional provider in the world offering the Avanti II."
Avantair's other big news at the show: It has a new owner, Alfred Rapetti, and
it's building a new corporate headquarters at the St. Petersburg-Clearwater
Airport.
The Avanti II features a Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 panel
with three 8x10-in. liquid crystal active matrix flight displays, an FMS 3000
flight management system and AHS 3000 attitude heading reference system. The
upgraded Pratt & Whitney PT6A-66B engines are expected to add 12 kts or
more to its predecessor's high-speed cruise of 392 kts. The new aircraft also
features an increase in maximum zero fuel weight of 300 lbs to 9,800 lbs, and a
maximum takeoff weight increase of 500 lbs to12,050 lbs, allowing for one or
two extra passengers at longer ranges. The aircraft can fly 1,800 nmi and
cruise at altitudes up to 41,000 ft.
The first Piaggio P180 Avanti production model flew in May
1990 and was certified five months later. The first Avanti II was certified last
month, and the first delivery will take place early next year. Under the
agreement with Piaggio, Avantair will receive 12 aircraft a year for three years,
starting in 2008.
