Piaggio Aerospace Secures First Customer for Avanti NX Twin Turboprops

This article is based on an official press release from Piaggio Aerospace.

Piaggio Aerospace has officially secured the launch customer for its newly unveiled P.180 Avanti NX. Announced on April 23, 2026, at the AERO Friedrichshafen aviation show, the order marks a significant milestone for the historic Italian manufacturers as it re-enters the competitive business aviation market.

According to the official company press release, an undisclosed European operator has placed an order for two of the new twin-engine turboprops. The Commercial-Aircraft will be delivered in an executive business configuration but will also include specialized stretcher modules. This dual-use design allows for rapid conversion into air ambulance operations, significantly expanding the operator’s mission flexibility.

This initial Orders serves as a strong market validation for Piaggio Aerospace following its mid-2025 acquisition by Turkish aerospace company Baykar. The sale signals a revitalized production roadmap for the legacy brand, blending its 140-year Italian aviation history with new corporate backing and engineering resources.

The Avanti NX and Dual-Use Versatility

Unveiled in March 2026, the Avanti NX, also referred to as the “Avanti Next”, represents the latest evolution of the iconic P.180 platform. The launch of this next-generation aircraft coincides with the 40th anniversary of the original P.180’s Maiden-Flight in 1986.

While retaining its distinctive and highly efficient aerodynamic design, the NX introduces major modernizations in its Avionics systems, cabin interior, and overall reliability. Notably, the manufacturer states that the aircraft boasts the lowest CO₂ emissions footprint in its category, continuing to combine jet-class speed and performance with the fuel efficiency of a turboprop.

Meeting Modern Operational Demands

The European operator’s decision to equip the two ordered aircraft with stretcher modules highlights a growing industry trend. Operators are increasingly seeking multi-role aircraft capable of seamlessly pivoting between luxury executive transport and critical medical evacuation (MedEvac) missions.

“We are proud to sign a contract for the sale of the Avanti NX so soon after unveiling the aircraft. Returning to AERO Friedrichshafen after a long absence and signing a contract for two aircraft demonstrates that, with the support of Baykar, we are making a strong comeback in the aviation market,” said Giovanni Tomassini, CEO of Piaggio Aerospace.

During the aircraft’s initial unveiling in March, Tomassini emphasized that the Avanti Next is more than just a new version of the P.180, calling it “the next chapter of Piaggio Aerospace” and a step forward in innovation and customer support. Chief Designer Alberto Caruso echoed this sentiment at AERO Friedrichshafen, noting that the Avanti NX proves “innovation could be both daring and enduring.”

Corporate Rebirth Under Baykar

To fully understand the significance of this order, it is essential to look at Piaggio Aerospace’s recent corporate turnaround. After operating in extraordinary administration (receivership) since 2018, the company was acquired by Baykar, Turkey’s leading unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturer, in a deal finalized in mid-2025.

This acquisition injected vital capital and saved Italian manufacturing jobs, merging traditional manned aircraft manufacturing with an advanced drone engineering culture. The company is now led by Chairman Haluk Bayraktar (CEO of Baykar) and CEO Giovanni Tomassini, with the Avanti NX’s design and the company’s new brand identity spearheaded by Alberto Caruso, Design and Brand Director of Baykar Group.

Scaling Production for the Future

Driven by this launch order and anticipated market demand, Piaggio Aerospace has outlined ambitious production goals. According to company projections, the manufacturer plans to gradually scale up production, targeting up to 30 aircraft per year over the next decade.

“We will write the future of Piaggio Aerospace not by circumstances, but with our hands, minds, and determination. From today, we are building this future together. A new page is opening for Piaggio Aerospace now,” stated Haluk Bayraktar, Chairman of Piaggio Aerospace.

AirPro News analysis

We view the Avanti NX order as a critical proof of concept for the Baykar-Piaggio merger. Baykar’s investment represents a unique industry convergence, utilizing capital and engineering expertise from the military drone sector to revitalize a legacy civilian and business aviation brand. The immediate securing of a launch customer suggests that market confidence in Piaggio Aerospace is returning under its new ownership.

Furthermore, as European regulations tighten around aviation emissions, the Avanti NX’s positioning as the lowest CO₂ emitter in its class provides a distinct competitive advantage. The dual-use capability (VIP and MedEvac) further de-risks the investment for operators, making the Avanti NX a highly versatile and economically viable asset in a demanding European market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Piaggio P.180 Avanti NX?

The Avanti NX (or Avanti Next) is the newest iteration of the Piaggio P.180 twin-engine turboprop. Unveiled in March 2026, it features modernized avionics, updated interiors, and enhanced fuel efficiency while maintaining the original aircraft’s iconic aerodynamic design.

Who bought the first Avanti NX?

An undisclosed European operator ordered two aircraft at the AERO Friedrichshafen 2026 aviation show. The aircraft will be configured for both executive transport and medical evacuation.

Who owns Piaggio Aerospace?

Piaggio Aerospace was acquired by Turkish aerospace company Baykar in mid-2025, ending a multi-year period of receivership for the historic Italian manufacturer.

Sources: Piaggio Aerospace