Piaggio Aerospace P-180 Avanti Iii

Twin Turboprop

The Piaggio P-180 Avanti III is one of the fastest turboprops ever certified, routinely cruising at jet speeds while burning turboprop fuel. Built by Italy's Piaggio Aerospace and introduced in 2005 as the third generation of the Avanti family, this twin-pusher design features a radical three-lifting-surface configuration (a small forward wing, main wing, and T-tail) that gives it the aerodynamic efficiency of a much larger aircraft. With a maximum cruise speed of 402 knots and a ceiling of 41,000 feet, the Avanti III outpaces most turboprops and rivals light jets, yet operates from shorter runways and costs significantly less per hour to fly. The distinctive pusher propellers mounted behind the wing eliminate cabin noise and vibration, creating a jet-like passenger experience in a nine-seat executive interior. Originally designed for the corporate market, the type has found roles in air ambulance operations, special mission work, and government transport, prized for its combination of speed, range (1,470 nautical miles), and operating economics. The Avanti's unconventional appearance, often described as looking like it's flying backward, masks serious performance: it remains the only turboprop certified to routinely operate in the flight levels typically reserved for jets. SkyMeter has tracked 71 flights across 10 airframes and 1 operators, covering routes.