Piaggio Aero Takes on the Brazilian Market

Italian aircraft manufacturer Piaggio Aero has announced that it will begin selling its popular P180 Avanti II twin turboprops in Brazil, with the first deliveries slated for early 2011. The model, known for its low operating costs, boasts a maximum speed of 402 knots and a range of nearly 1,500 nautical miles and is "an ideal aircraft for the Brazilian market and topography of the country," according to Piaggio Aero. NOPAR Aviacao, based in Recife, will promote, distribute and service the Avanti II, and additional service centers will be announced "quickly." Piaggio Aero intends "to build a solid, long-term aviation business [in Brazil]...and there will soon be a substantial number of Piaggio P180 Avanti IIs in the skies" over the country, said John M. Bingham, president and CEO of Piaggio America and Piaggio Aero's chief marketing officer.