PIAGGIO AVANTI P180

• Passengers 7

The unique design and superior engineering of the Piaggio P180 Avanti makes it a popular choice for discerning travelers wishing to charter a private jet. The Piaggio is where Italian elegance and craftsmanship come together to deliver an aircraft that delivers extraordinary performance and one of the most

The unique rear-mounted turboprop engines make the Piaggio P180 Avanti instantly recognisable, but this is just one of the many features that set the Piaggio airplane apart. The manufacturers of Piaggio set out to create an aircraft outside the typical turboprop box. The result was a plane that combines the best characteristics of both turboprops and jets – placing Piaggio Avanti in a category of its own.

Interior design

The two-pilot Piaggio aircraft is able to seat up to nine passengers in a spacious six feet wide and 5.8 feet high cabin. Since the average cabin size of a light jet is 4.9 feet wide and 4.9 feet high, the Piaggio P180 offers an additional foot of space, length and width. But it’s more than roominess and subtle overhead LEDs that makes the Piaggio one of the most luxurious flights around. When you choose a Piaggio plane for your next private jet charter, you’ll notice almost no vibration or noise in the cabin. To add to the aircraft’s Italian sophistication, the carpets are custom-designed and made out of silk, and the seat cushions covered with Spinneybeck Espana leather.

Technological features

The Piaggio P180 surpasses the average high-speed cruise distance of competing jets with a maximum range of 1,509 nautical miles. The aircraft can take off in less than 3,000 feet and reach its maximum altitude of 41,000 feet, cruising at 460 mph.

The aircraft’s six-blade turboprops are powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66 engines, flat rated to 850 shp for improved efficiency, and Piaggio’s heavy wing loading allows smooth handling in turbulence and solid, high flight level handling.

History

Engineering began on the Piaggio airplane in 1979 and designs underwent wind tunnel testing in Italy and the United States in 1980 and 1981. The first prototype flew in September 1986 and the Piaggio P180 received Italian certification in March 1990. In 2008, the 150th Piaggio plane was delivered and by October 2010, Avanti fleets had logged more than 500,000 flying hours.

Manufacturer

The Piaggio P180 Avanti is manufactured by multinational aerospace company, Piaggio Aerospace, originally called Piaggio Aero Industries. The company has its headquarters in Villanova d'Albenga, Italy, and has a common history with motor vehicle manufacturer, the Piaggio Group – one of the world's oldest aircraft manufacturers.

Interesting facts

• As a result of less drag and a lower fuel burn rate, the Piaggio Avanti is faster than other turboprops and most mid-sized jets, offering an additional 40% cost-efficiency compared to market-competing jets.
• By May 2017, a total of 220 aircraft were in operation around the world – 89 being first-generation Avanti, 126 second-generation Avanti II, and six Avanti EVO models.

Cost

Piaggio aircraft sell new for around AUD 11,248,507 while the Piaggio P180 price for an older 2007 model is around AUD 2,250,065.

Where to buy

As of 2019, aircraft resale sites Controller.com, GlobalAir, and AvBuyer all had Piaggio P180s for sale. On Controller.com prices ranged from AUD 2,250,065 for a 2007 Piaggio P180 Avanti II to AUD 3,435,265 on a 2009 Piaggio for sale. The Piaggio P180 cost on AvBuyer for a 2008 Piaggio P180 was AUD 3,208,683.

Charter rates

The Piaggio is a popular private jet charter for business executives with hourly rates ranging from AUD 1,550 to AUD 5,600 while empty leg discounted flights are occasionally available.