Baykar Subsidiary Piaggio Aerospace Secures New P.180 Sale in Turkey
Piaggio Aerospace, the Italian aviation firm acquired by Turkish defense giant Baykar in 2025, has successfully finalized a new aircraft sales agreement in Turkey. According to a recent official statement, a Turkey-based operator has placed a firm order for two P.180 Avanti EVO aircraft, which will be integrated into the customer’s existing fleet of business jets and helicopters. This significant deal marks a milestone in the company’s regional growth strategy since becoming part of the Baykar ecosystem. The P.180 Avanti EVO is recognized globally for its high speed, efficiency, and spacious cabin configuration, serving both executive transport and specialized mission roles.
- A Turkish operator has officially ordered two P.180 Avanti EVO aircraft from Piaggio Aerospace.
- The acquisition of Piaggio Aerospace by Baykar was completed on June 30, 2025.
- Piaggio Aerospace intends to increase its annual production capacity to between 20 and 25 units.
- The company continues to develop the next-generation Avanti NX model alongside its existing fleet.
The P.180 Avanti EVO Enhances Operational Versatility
The P.180 Avanti EVO represents an advanced evolution of the original P.180 platform, which first entered the market in 2015. While maintaining the signature aerodynamic design that made the series famous, the EVO variant incorporates substantial upgrades to its avionics, cabin interior, and flight control systems. Piaggio Aerospace CEO Cristian Toninelli expressed his satisfaction regarding the new order, highlighting that the platform’s consistent performance continues to attract diverse international clients.
Beyond the current EVO model, the company is actively pushing forward with the development of the Avanti NX. This next-generation aircraft has already secured its first international order from a European operator, with plans to utilize the jets for executive travel and air ambulance services via specialized modular equipment. This dual-focus approach—maintaining current models while innovating for the future—remains a cornerstone of the firm’s new industrial strategy.
Baykar Drives Strategic Industrial Transformation
The recent sale serves as a tangible indicator of the progress made since Baykar finalized its acquisition of Piaggio Aerospace on June 30, 2025. Following the regulatory approval under Italy’s Golden Power mechanism, the Turkish company prioritized the stabilization of operations and the retention of the existing workforce. With 677 employees on record as of April 2026, the company has successfully maintained its operational continuity.
Under Baykar’s ownership, the firm has launched a comprehensive industrial plan aimed at revitalizing its product portfolio. This includes the branding of the new Avanti NX and the positioning of the specialized P.180 version, now known as the Mantide, for tactical and special mission requirements. The transition is designed to ensure long-term sustainability while fostering innovation in the manned aviation sector.
Manufacturing Capacity Targets are Being Expanded
To support the growing demand for the P.180 series, the company is implementing a plan to scale up its manufacturing output. Leveraging the existing infrastructure, supply chain networks, and technical expertise in Italy, the firm aims to increase annual production to a range of 20 to 25 aircraft. This capacity expansion is essential for meeting the requirements of both domestic and international customers who rely on the efficiency and adaptability of the Avanti platform.
By integrating Piaggio Aerospace into its portfolio, Baykar has significantly broadened its influence beyond unmanned aerial systems, positioning itself as a comprehensive player in the global aviation market. The sale of these two aircraft in Turkey is viewed as the first of many steps in reinforcing the company’s presence in the regional executive aviation sector.
How do you evaluate the impact of Baykar’s entry into the manned aviation market on the future of European aircraft manufacturing? We invite you to share your thoughts and industry insights in the comments section below.
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