Piaggio Aerospace

The Italian P.180 Avanti Evo is the fastest production turboprop in the world: 745 km/h (455 mph), the speed of a jet. Its secret lies in its three-surface aerodynamics and rear-mounted pusher propellers: the wing is not obscured by the airflow, and the cabin is 1.75 m (5.9 ft) high—enough to allow standing. It can accommodate up to nine passengers, and has a range of approximately 3,180 km (1,900 mi). Its noise and fuel consumption are a third lower than those of jets.

Used Avanti IIs from 2005–2015 sell for between $2 and 3.5 million rubles, while later Evos sell for between $5 and 6.5 million rubles. Direct costs are approximately $1,200–1,500 rubles per flight hour: two PT6As consume ~340 liters per hour versus 600+ for a comparable jet. On the Almaty–Tashkent or Moscow–Sochi route, a Avanti will carry passengers almost simultaneously with a light jet, while consuming significantly less.

Both are twin-engine turboprops, but their personalities are polar opposites. The Avanti Evo is 150 km/h faster (745 km/h versus 578 km/h) and offers the highest cabin height in its class. The King Air boasts versatility: it can operate on short and unpaved roads, has a huge fleet, and is serviced everywhere, while the Piaggio's support network is compact and concentrated in Europe. For aesthetes and speed enthusiasts, the Avanti is the one; for practicality, the King Air.

Piaggio Aerospace is an Italian company from Genoa with a history in aviation dating back to the early 20th century; the current P.180 Avanti has been in production since 1990. Around 250 aircraft have been built—the fastest production turboprops in the world, with jet-like speeds.

The Piaggio service network is compact and concentrated in Europe; service within the region is provided through authorized centers in Western Europe. Pratt & Whitney PT6A engines are covered by P&WC's global program, simplifying support.

New aircraft are covered by the Piaggio airframe and systems warranty, and the PT6A engines are covered by Pratt & Whitney programs. Due to the small fleet and niche status, support is arranged individually with the manufacturer.

Production of the Avanti Evo is limited and made to order, so lead times are negotiated individually. It's faster and more reliable to obtain the aircraft from the Avanti II/Evo used market, where supply is stable.

Used Avanti IIs from 2005–2015 — $2s — 3.5 million, late Evos — $5s — 6.5 million. Direct costs are a third lower than those of a comparable jet: two PT6As consume ~340 l/hour versus 600+ for jet-powered peers.

The current model is the P.180 Avanti Evo: 745 km/h, up to nine seats, 1.75 m cabin height (stand-up), and a range of ~3,180 km. Ideal for aesthetes and those who value ranges of up to 3,000 km with the fuel economy of a turboprop.

We select an aircraft, check engine life and history, organize inspections and paperwork, and provide maintenance consultations through our European network. For one-off flights, we can find a turboprop-class alternative for charter.