Piaggio Aerospace has received an order for one P180 Avanti Evo from Italy’s Guardia di Finanza (GDF), marking the first order for the twin-turboprop since Turkey’s Baykar Technologies acquired Piaggio earlier this year.
The GDF, which already operates two P180 Avanti IIs, will utilize the new aircraft for tactical transport missions. Details regarding delivery timeline or contract value were not disclosed.
This order follows continued support from the Italian government, which aided Piaggio during its receivership with multiple contracts for new aircraft and maintenance services for the nation’s armed forces.
The receivership, initiated in late 2018 after Mubadala withdrew support, concluded in July with Baykar’s acquisition. Baykar aims to revitalize the P180 line with the Evo+ standard and leverage Piaggio’s capabilities to manufacture uncrewed air vehicles in Italy.
The GDF, part of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, focuses on financial crime investigations, border protection, anti-terrorism, and anti-drug smuggling, operating a diverse fleet including Leonardo Helicopters AW169s.
