In a landmark development for Italian-Turkish aerospace ties, Piaggio Aerospace has secured its inaugural order from Türkiye for two P.180 Avanti EVO twin-engine turboprop aircraft. Unveiled on October 15, 2025, at the NBAA-BACE convention in Las Vegas, the deal comes just months after Baykar’s acquisition of the storied Italian firm in July. The Avanti EVO, celebrated for its sleek design, fuel efficiency, and top speeds nearing 400 knots—earning it the nickname “Ferrari of the skies”—will serve dual purposes: executive transport for corporate shuttling and air ambulance missions for rapid medical evacuations. This versatile configuration highlights the aircraft’s adaptability to Türkiye’s expanding needs in regional business aviation and emergency services, with deliveries slated to bolster both sectors nationwide.
Piaggio Aerospace CEO Giovanni Tomassini described the order as a resounding endorsement of the Avanti EVO’s worldwide prowess under Baykar’s innovative guidance. “This contract not only reinforces the Avanti EVO’s robust global footprint but also exemplifies the trust clients place in our aircraft and their pivotal role in the business jet arena,” Tomassini remarked during the announcement. Since Baykar—a Turkish powerhouse in unmanned aerial vehicles with over $1.8 billion in exports last year—took the reins following a preliminary agreement in January, Piaggio has ramped up production and maintenance expertise. The new owner pledges to safeguard the company’s 140-year legacy while driving growth, including job creation in Italy and enhanced support networks across Europe.
This milestone sale signals Türkiye’s deepening integration into high-end manned aviation, complementing its drone dominance that captures 65% of the global export market. The aircraft will primarily operate within Türkiye, enhancing executive connectivity between major hubs like Istanbul and Ankara, while the medevac setup promises faster responses in remote or disaster-prone areas. Industry observers anticipate this as a catalyst for further collaborations between Ankara and Rome, fostering sustainable tech exchanges and positioning Baykar-Piaggio as a bridge in Euro-Mediterranean aerospace innovation.
