The P180 Avanti II private jet combines elegant Italian styling and craftsmanship, the quietness and comfort of an enormous, comfortable cabin, and remarkable performance that makes it the fastest aircraft in its class outpacing the most widely sold turbojet aircraft on the market.Speed, performance and eye catching styling with operating costs that are up to 40% lower than its equivalent jet competitors are some of the key attributes of this remarkable airplane.
The Avanti is marketed as being faster than other turboprops and many mid-sized jets, while being up to 40% more fuel efficient than market-competing jets.
The Design of the Avanti began in 1979 and were tested in wind tunnels in Italy and the United States in 1980. Originally in collaboration with Learjet they developed the aircraft concept in 1983 with Piaggio continuing development on its own after 1986. The first prototype flew on 23 September 1986 with American and Italian certification obtained on October 2, 1990.
A group of investors led by Piero Ferrari became involved in 1998 and the 100th aircraft was delivered in October 2005 and the 150th in May 2008. Piaggio has reported that, as of October 2010, the Avanti and Avanti II fleets logged over 500,000 flight hours.
An improved Avanti II obtained European and U.S. certification in November 2005 and six months later, 70 planes had been ordered. The Avanti II features upgrated engines and flies about 11 mph faster with better fuel economy. An all-new glass cockpit provides a streamlined look with the added safety avionics: heading, attitude and navigation information, flat panel color LCD displays add collision avoidance (TCAS), ground proximity (TAWS) and real-time graphic weather depiction.
