Piaggio is raising production of its P180 from 16 aircraft this year to 21 next year and 27 in 2004. The

$3.8 million dollar aircraft may also be joined by either a jet or stretch version in the future according to Stephen Hanvey, ceo of Piaggio America. The company also announced that it was Euroskylink which recently signed a deal with Piaggio’s UK distributor, Sloane Aviation, for one firm order and two options on the P180.

Nevertheless, there are still sceptics who don’t feel the aircraft will really make an impact on the European market. “It’s a very nice, fast aircraft but the price is very high for a new P180. The cabin is comparable to the Bravo, but the cockpit is problematic for the pilot because it’s difficult to get into,” said Hank Kraak, chef pilot for Dutch company Kuiken.

The aircraft has certainly become more popular in North America and Piaggio is now making a bid for a share of the fractional ownership market. “Colleagues of mine from a Dutch company bought the old demo model from Piaggio, which I think was one of the first produced in 1984. I saw it recently at an air fair in Holland and it attracted a lot of attention, although it still can’t be registered here because it’s not yet certified for this country,” said Kraak.

The pilot feels that it’s the Pilatus PC-12 which will attract most European business. “I think if the single engine IFR is approved in Europe that Pilatus will actually have problems meeting demand for the new aircraft.

“There’s a great market here in Europe and if you have the opportunity to buy a used PC-12 in the US for around $2 million it’s a great deal. I’ve made a couple of demo flights with it in the past and it is a tremendous aircraft. But with Piaggio I’m not sure if they’ll make it.

I don’t think there will be a market in Europe for the P180,” said Kraak.

Kuiken operates a Conquest but has kept an eye on the progress of the Eclipse, which now has orders exceeding 2,000. “One of the owners of this company has been attracted to the Eclipse. The aircraft costs around $835,000 and he thinks for the price of the Conquest he can fly a jet, which can travel faster and higher.

“Most of the destinations we cover are within a 900 mile radius, and along with an average cabin of three or four people it’s not necessary to have something like a Citation Bravo. I think for small hops around Europe the Eclipse could be a very interesting proposition,” he added.

“The market is moving at the moment and there are a number of new developments along with the Eclipse. But I don’t know if it’s a good idea to keep renaming aircraft like Raytheon and Gulfstream have done. I think the name changes are just publicity stunts to attract attention.”