This article is based on an official press release from Piaggio Aerospace, supplemented by industry research data.

On May 4, 2026, Piaggio Aerospace announced a significant regulatory milestone, confirming that the Italian Directorate of Aeronautical Armaments and Airworthiness (DAAA) has officially extended the company’s AER(EP).P-147 certification. According to the company’s press release, this extension allows the aerospace manufacturer to continue delivering certified military aircraft maintenance training to technical personnel.

The updated approval notably broadens Piaggio Aerospace’s training portfolio to include the VC-180C, the Italian military designation for the P.180 EVO+ aircraft. This expansion ensures that the company can provide specialized maintenance training to support both current operational fleets and evolving mission requirements for the Italian armed forces.

We note that this certification marks a critical step in Piaggio Aerospace’s ongoing revitalization. Following its high-profile acquisitions by Turkish aerospace manufacturer Baykar in 2025, the renewed DAAA approval signals the company’s continued stability and integration within Italy’s national defense ecosystem.

Regulatory Approval and the AER(EP).P-147 Standard

The AER(EP).P-147 standard serves as the Italian military’s direct implementation of the European Defence Agency’s EMAR 147 framework. As detailed in the Piaggio Aerospace press release, this standard defines the strict regulatory requirements for Maintenance Training Organizations (MTOs) tasked with training and certifying technical personnel who support military aircraft operations.

By securing this extension, Piaggio Aerospace consolidates its status as an approved training organization within Italy’s defense aviation sector. The company stated in its release that the renewed certification confirms its adherence to the rigorous quality assurance, instructional, and compliance benchmarks mandated by military aviation authorities. This framework is designed to guarantee consistently high levels of technical proficiency and safety awareness across military aviation maintenance.

Expanding Capabilities with the VC-180C Platform

Modernizing the Italian Fleet

The most prominent update to Piaggio’s authorized training portfolio is the integration of the VC-180C. Industry research profiles the VC-180C as a heavily modernized iteration of the classic Avanti twin-turboprop. The aircraft features digital avionics, a redesigned cabin interior, digitally controlled pressurization, and an advanced landing gear system equipped with cutting-edge anti-skid braking and steering.

According to defense procurement data, the Italian Ministry of Defence previously ordered 15 new P.180 EVO+ aircraft, allocating nine specifically to the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare). The VC-180C is designed to replace the older VC-180A (Avanti I) models. As of July 2025, industry reports indicate that the new aircraft has been actively utilized by the Air Transport Training School (S.A.T.A.) at the Pratica di Mare airbase for advanced multicrew training, VIP transport, and radio frequency calibration.

Corporate Revitalization Under Baykar

A Strategic Acquisition

To fully understand the weight of this regulatory approval, it is necessary to look at Piaggio Aerospace’s recent corporate history. Founded in 1884, the company entered extraordinary administration in 2018 after its previous majority shareholder withdrew financial backing. In December 2024, the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy approved the sale of the company to Baykar, a transaction that was officially finalized on June 30, 2025, creating the new entity “Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A.”

Industry research outlines Baykar’s industrial strategy, which includes preserving the workforce at Piaggio’s Villanova d’Albenga and Genoa facilities, ramping up P.180 Avanti production to an estimated 25 to 30 aircraft annually, and expanding engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.

Speaking on the acquisition finalized in 2025, Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar emphasized the company’s commitment to the Italian manufacturer:

“Our goal is to revitalize Piaggio Aerospace with a bold industrial vision that builds on its legacy while unlocking its full potential for the future. We deeply respect the talented and hardworking people who have kept this company going through challenging times…”

Italian Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, also commented on the government’s approval of the takeover, noting its importance to the national aerospace sector:

“[The acquisition is] a strategic milestone in the relaunch of one of Italy’s historical aerospace brands with a major international investor… [providing] a future with a long-term production perspective, safeguarding corporate complexes and workforce.”

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we view the DAAA’s extension of the AER(EP).P-147 certification as a strong vote of confidence from the Italian government in the newly formed Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A. The approval ensures that the Italian Air Force maintains a secure, domestic pipeline of highly certified technicians capable of servicing the new VC-180C fleet, thereby reducing reliance on foreign MRO contractors.

Furthermore, the successful integration of Piaggio Aerospace into Baykar’s portfolio highlights a broader trend of cross-border defense consolidation between NATO allies. It demonstrates that foreign capital can effectively rescue and revitalize strategic national assets without compromising strict national security and military compliance standards, paving the way for future collaborative aerospace projects in Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AER(EP).P-147 certification?

It is the Italian military’s implementation of the European Defence Agency’s EMAR 147 framework. It sets the regulatory, instructional, and quality standards for organizations that train and certify military aircraft maintenance personnel.

What is the VC-180C?

The VC-180C is the Italian military designation for the Piaggio P.180 EVO+, a modernized twin-turboprop aircraft featuring digital avionics and advanced landing gear systems, currently utilized by the Italian Air Force.

Who owns Piaggio Aerospace?

Following a transaction finalized on June 30, 2025, Piaggio Aerospace is owned by the Turkish aerospace manufacturer Baykar, operating under the newly formed entity Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A.

Sources

• Piaggio Aerospace Press Release

Belgian flight school A-VIATOR has officially committed to standardizing its Commercial-Aircraft training fleet with Tecnam aircraft, marking a significant step in its long-term growth Strategy. The announcement, made live from the AERO Friedrichshafen exhibition in Germany, centers on A-VIATOR’s new Orders for a Tecnam P2008JC NG.

According to an official press release from Tecnam Aircraft, the decision follows a period of rapid expansion for the Kortrijk-Wevelgem-based academy. A-VIATOR reported doubling its student base in 2025 compared to the previous year, driven by strong demand for its Private Pilot License (PPL) and Night VFR training programs.

We note that this fleet transition highlights a broader industry trend of flight schools seeking modern, fuel-efficient aircraft to streamline maintenance and reduce operating costs while accommodating growing student enrollments.

Transitioning to a Standardized Fleet

Operational Efficiency and Expansion

The move to an all-Tecnam fleet is designed to provide A-VIATOR with a high level of standardization. In a company press release, Tecnam stated that this strategic step will significantly improve operational efficiency, maintenance planning, and the overall consistency of pilot Training.

A-VIATOR introduced its first Tecnam aircraft, a P2010, in March 2026. The successful integration of this aircraft served as the catalyst for the academy’s decision to transition its entire fleet. The newly ordered P2008JC NG is expected to complement this vision by offering a modern, fuel-efficient, and pilot-friendly training environment that drastically reduces both operating costs and Emissions.

Leadership Perspectives

The leadership at both A-VIATOR and Tecnam expressed strong optimism about the Partnerships future. The positive reception from students played a crucial role in the academy’s fleet strategy.

“Following the introduction of our first Tecnam aircraft in March 2026, we immediately saw an overwhelmingly positive response from our students. The feedback has been exceptionally enthusiastic, with everyone praising both the aircraft itself and its modern design. For me, this confirmed that Tecnam was going to be our future partner, one that will play a key role in helping us shape and grow the story of A-VIATOR in the years to come.”

Tecnam also highlighted the validation this order brings to their aircraft lineup.

“We are thrilled to partner with a dynamic and fast-growing academy like A-VIATOR. Their decision to standardize their fleet with Tecnam after experiencing the P2010 is a strong validation of our aircraft’s quality, efficiency, and appeal to the next generation of aviators. The P2008JC NG will perfectly support their new training programs and continued expansion in the Belgian market.”

Future Training Programs and Growth

Expanding the Curriculum

As A-VIATOR continues to grow, the academy is preparing to expand its training portfolio. According to the Tecnam press release, the school plans to introduce Basic Instrument Rating (BIR) and Competency-Based Instrument Rating (CBIR) programs in 2026. This expansion represents an important step toward offering a complete modular professional pilot pathway for its students.

The integration of the P2008JC NG will directly support these new programs, providing students with advanced avionics and reliable performance necessary for instrument training.

AirPro News analysis

The decision by A-VIATOR to standardize its fleet with Tecnam underscores a critical operational strategy for growing flight schools. By operating a unified fleet from a single manufacturer, academies can significantly reduce the logistical complexities associated with maintenance, spare parts inventory, and instructor standardization. Furthermore, as environmental concerns and fuel costs continue to impact the aviation sector, the shift toward modern, fuel-efficient trainers like the P2008JC NG positions flight schools to operate more sustainably and profitably. We anticipate that other regional flight academies experiencing similar growth trajectories may follow suit in modernizing and standardizing their fleets to maintain competitive training rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What aircraft did A-VIATOR recently order?

According to the official press release, A-VIATOR ordered a new Tecnam P2008JC NG to support its fleet standardization and expansion.

When did A-VIATOR introduce its first Tecnam aircraft?

A-VIATOR introduced its first Tecnam aircraft, a P2010, in March 2026.

What new training programs is A-VIATOR planning to offer?

The flight school plans to introduce Basic Instrument Rating (BIR) and Competency-Based Instrument Rating (CBIR) programs in 2026.

Sources

• Tecnam Aircraft

Greybird Aviation Group Expands Fleet with 13 New Tecnam Aircraft at AERO 2026

According to an official press release from Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam, Denmark-based Greybird Aviation Group has signed a major fleet expansion agreement at the AERO Friedrichshafen 2026 exhibition. The premier flight academy has placed an orders for 13 new aircraft to support its rapidly growing pilot training operations across Europe.

The acquisition comprises 10 Tecnam P-Mentor single-engine trainers and three Tecnam P2006T NG (Next Generation) twin-engine aircraft. As noted in the company’s announcement, this strategic purchase is designed to integrate advanced, sustainable training platforms into Greybird’s European bases while maintaining a highly standardized cockpit environment for its cadets.

We understand from industry research that this order is part of a broader, aggressive European expansion strategy by Greybird, aimed at addressing the looming global commercial pilot shortage by graduating highly proficient, airline-ready cadets.

The “Uniform Fleet” Training Philosophy

A cornerstone of Greybird Aviation Group’s operational model is its “uniform fleet” philosophy. Operating a mixed fleet of different aircraft brands often forces student pilots to relearn cockpit layouts and avionics logic, which can waste valuable flight hours. By standardizing its fleet, Greybird aims to drastically reduce transition times and enhance overall training safety.

According to the press release, both the P-Mentor and the P2006T NG feature identical Garmin glass cockpit logic. This allows cadets to train on state-of-the-art digital displays from their very first primary flight lesson through to their final multi-engine commercial checkride.

“At Greybird, our core philosophy is to provide our cadets with the most modern, uniform, and airline-relevant training environment possible. The Tecnam P-Mentor and P2006T NG are the perfect fit for this vision. This 13-aircraft order allows us to sustainably scale our operations across our European bases while ensuring our students are flying the absolute best glass-cockpit aircraft on the market today.”

Aircraft Specifications and Synergy

Industry data and the official announcement detail the specific roles these two aircraft models will play in Greybird’s curriculum:

• Tecnam P-Mentor (10 ordered): Serving as the primary two-seat, single-engine and instrument (IFR) trainer, the P-Mentor is powered by a 100-horsepower Rotax 912iSc engine and features a Garmin G3X glass cockpit. Certified to the latest EASA CS-23 Amendment 6 safety standards, industry research notes it burns approximately 14 liters (3.7 gallons) of fuel per hour, making it highly efficient.
• Tecnam P2006T NG (3 ordered): The four-seat, twin-engine advanced commercial trainer utilizes two Rotax 912 iSc3 engines and a Garmin G1000 NXi suite. It features retractable landing gear and constant-speed variable pitch propellers, allowing students to master complex multi-engine aerodynamics while utilizing the same Garmin interface learned in the P-Mentor.

European Expansion and Financial Backing

Greybird’s 13-aircraft order is a direct result of its rapid scaling across the continent. Headquartered at Aarhus Airport in Denmark, the academy operates a network of “city bases.” Industry research indicates that in addition to existing locations in Denmark, Sweden, and Spain, Greybird expanded its Nordic footprint by opening new bases in Finland and Norway in early 2026. The academy currently trains over 130 commercial pilots annually.

This growth is financially supported by Danish private equity firm Dansk Ejerkapital, which acquired a 45% minority stake in Greybird in November 2024. According to industry reports, this capital injection was earmarked for fleet growth, European expansion, and the development of “SmartBird,” Greybird’s proprietary Software as a Service (SaaS) platform used to manage training and administration.

“We’re impressed by the business Søren Møller has built. From the outset, he has integrated scalability, quality, and efficiency into the business model, making excellent use of data.”

Sustainability and Industry Impact

Flight schools are under increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint, and the selection of Tecnam aircraft aligns with this industry-wide mandate. The Tecnam press release highlights that the P-Mentor allows Greybird to conduct training with the lowest fuel consumption and emissions in its class. Supplemental research suggests the aircraft offers up to a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional IFR competitors.

“Greybird has built a reputation for innovation and excellence in flight training. Their commitment to a standardized, high-tech fleet is exactly what modern airlines are looking for in graduating cadets. We are extremely proud to secure this order at AERO 2026 and to provide Greybird with a highly efficient, sustainable fleet that will power their European expansion for years to come.”

AirPro News analysis

We view Greybird Aviation Group’s latest acquisition as a textbook example of how modern flight academies must adapt to survive and thrive in the current aviation landscape. The global pilot shortage is not just a numbers game; airlines are specifically demanding cadets who are highly proficient in “glass cockpit” environments that mirror the digital flight decks of modern Boeing and Airbus airliners.

By committing to a uniform Garmin-equipped fleet, Greybird is effectively eliminating the “negative transfer” of skills that occurs when students switch between analog dials and digital screens. Furthermore, the integration of their proprietary “SmartBird” SaaS platform alongside highly fuel-efficient Rotax-powered aircraft demonstrates a sophisticated, data-driven approach to flight training. This combination of reduced fuel overhead, streamlined maintenance, and accelerated student progression makes the academy highly attractive not only to prospective airline employers but also to ESG-conscious private equity investors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What aircraft did Greybird Aviation Group order at AERO 2026?
Greybird ordered a total of 13 aircraft from Tecnam: 10 single-engine Tecnam P-Mentors and 3 twin-engine Tecnam P2006T NGs.

Why is a “uniform fleet” important for flight training?
A uniform fleet utilizes identical or highly similar cockpit layouts and avionics (like Garmin glass displays) across different aircraft types. This prevents students from having to relearn basic instrument scanning when transitioning from single-engine to multi-engine aircraft, saving time and improving safety.

Who owns Greybird Aviation Group?
Greybird was founded by Søren Møller in 2012. In November 2024, Danish private equity firm Dansk Ejerkapital acquired a 45% minority stake to help fund the company’s European expansion.

Sources:

• Tecnam Official Press Release