Piaggio P-180 Avanti

Twin Turboprop· 99 globally registered

The Piaggio P.180 Avanti is the only production aircraft in the world to use a three-lifting-surface configuration, combining a small forward wing, main wing, and T-tail to achieve jet-like speeds on turboprop fuel economy. Introduced by Italian manufacturer Piaggio Aerospace in 1990, the Avanti's twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66B engines are mounted in pusher configuration behind the main wing, giving it a futuristic profile and exceptionally quiet cabin. The design delivers cruise speeds up to 402 knots (faster than most light jets) while burning 30 to 40 percent less fuel, making it a favorite among corporate flight departments and air ambulance operators who need speed without the operating costs of pure jets. The Avanti's laminar-flow wing and unconventional aerodynamics allow it to cruise at FL410, higher than many turboprops and competitive with midsize jets, while its stand-up cabin offers more interior volume than conventional aircraft in its class. The type has evolved through the Avanti II and current Evo variants, incorporating five-blade composite propellers, improved avionics, and refined systems, though production has been intermittent due to Piaggio's financial challenges over the years. Despite a relatively small global fleet, the P.180 remains in active service worldwide, prized for its unique combination of speed, efficiency, and comfort in the owner-flown and charter markets. SkyMeter has tracked 356 flights across 88 airframes and 52 operators over routes, with PIERWEST AVIATION LLC the largest observed operator.