Touts Turboprop's Speediness, Fuel Efficiency

Clearwater, FL-based fractional operator Avantair announced this week it has taken delivery of its 50th Piaggio Avanti P.180 aircraft.

"This milestone delivery for the Avantair fractional program clearly highlights the ongoing demand for our services and the confidence our customer base has in the Piaggio Avanti P.180 aircraft," commented Steven Santo, Chief Executive Officer of Avantair. "Piaggio produces the lowest cost and most fuel-efficient aircraft in the Light Jet category, which enables us to best meet the needs of our customers and retain our competitive advantage. As we continue to capture greater market share, we look forward to the further expansion of our fleet and the continuation of our successful relationship with Piaggio."

This delivery is in-line with Avantair's steady fleet expansion since the company was founded in July 2003. Today, Avantair operates the youngest fleet in the fractional aircraft industry, at approximately 3.7 years, according to the JetNet Fractional Ownership and Aircraft Report.

The Piaggio Avanti P.180 is the world's fastest turboprop, rivaling the speed of most light cabin jets, while offering the cabin cross section of a super mid-size aircraft. At approximately one-third of its major competitors, Avantair also maintains the lowest fuel surcharge in the industry.

Combined with its absence of hourly fees and significantly lower annual operating costs, Avantair offers customers upwards of 45% yearly cost savings over the competition.

Avantair is the sole North American provider of fractional shares in the Piaggio Avanti P.180 aircraft. The company's service area includes the continental United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico.

FMI: www.avantair.com