Following Baykar’s acquisition of Piaggio Aerospace, the Italian manufacturer has entered a comprehensive restructuring and growth phase. Backed by new investments, the company aims to increase aircraft production capacity by five to six times while significantly expanding its engine manufacturing, maintenance and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
Haluk Bayraktar, Chairman of Piaggio Aerospace and CEO of Baykar, said Piaggio’s 140-year heritage represents a strategic industrial asset for Italy. He noted that combining Baykar’s advanced unmanned systems expertise with Piaggio’s aviation engineering will create a powerful new axis in Turkey–Italy defense and aerospace cooperation.
P180 Avanti Production to Rise to 25–30 Aircraft Per Year
Piaggio currently produces four to five P180 Avanti aircraft annually. Bayraktar confirmed that with Baykar’s capital injection and industrial upgrades, output will rise to 25–30 aircraft per year.
The P180 Avanti, recognized as the world’s fastest turboprop, is already supported by an infrastructure and supplier network capable of handling this increase, enabling a rapid scale-up without major bottlenecks.
Strong Push into the U.S. Market
The P180 Avanti fleet exceeds 220 active aircraft, with roughly 100 operating in the United States and nearly the same number in Europe. To support this customer base, Piaggio will significantly expand its MRO and customer support network, especially in North America.
Baykar has signed an authorized service center agreement with Interjet Continental Aerospace in the U.S. In addition, new maintenance hubs, logistics facilities and spare-parts warehouses will be established to reduce turnaround times and improve aircraft availability.
UAV Production and Engine Hub in Italy
Piaggio’s civil aviation know-how will be integrated with Baykar’s UAV engineering. Under a joint venture with Leonardo, unmanned aerial vehicles will be produced in Italy and tailored specifically for the European market.
At the same time, Piaggio will receive new engine maintenance, repair and manufacturing investments. Modern machine tools and production lines will be installed, positioning the company as a key European center for aviation engines and components.
“Avanti Next” Modernization Program
Baykar is also launching a comprehensive modernization of the P180 platform under the name “Avanti Next.” The upgraded aircraft will include:
- Garmin next-generation avionics
- Digital cabin pressurization
- Advanced environmental control systems
- Satellite communications
- Redesigned Italian-style interior
Maintenance intervals will also be extended, reducing operating costs and improving long-term fleet availability.
A Proven Aircraft with Strong Market Potential
More than 250 P180 Avanti aircraft have been produced to date, logging over 1.1 million flight hours worldwide. This operational record highlights the platform’s reliability, efficiency and commercial appeal, strengthening Piaggio’s prospects under Baykar ownership.
