The Future Looks Bright For BizAv's Most Exoticly Attractive Airframe

You can NOT look at a Piaggio Aero Avanti II and NOT respond to the ultra-exotic looks that are (possibly) the most striking aspect of this speedy, accomplished turboprop -- a design that is actually speedier than many light jets.

The Piaggio Aero P.180 Avanti II's beauty is not skin deep. The Avanti II requires 33% less fuel than most twin turboprops while offering a true stand-up cabin size that competes favorably with larger jet aircraft. The Avanti II also boasts the ability to cruise at speeds more than 400 KTAS, while also offering an uncommonly quiet cabin. In addition to all that, the P.180 Avanti II has a range of 1500 nautical miles, as well as a maximum cruising altitude of 41,000 feet. The aircraft is licensed to operate with a single pilot and can accommodate up to nine passengers.

Piaggio Aero had the honor, during NBAA 2009, of delivering a number of new Avanti IIs to leading fractional aircraft operator, Avantair, bringing their total Avanti fleet to an impressive 55 airplanes. Avantair is headquartered in Clearwater, FL, with over 400 employees and offers private travel solutions for individuals and businesses traveling within its service area, which includes the continental United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico, at a fraction of the cost of whole aircraft ownership. Avantair has another 53 Piaggio Avanti aircraft on order through 2013.

ANN had the chance to chat with Piaggio Aero’s CEO Alberto Galassi about his plans for 2010 and beyond. 

FMI: www.piaggioaero.com, www.nbaa.org, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews