The Piaggio Avanti has continued to make strides in Europe, the latest customer being German-based AirGO. Operations assistant manager Christian Reuter said: “We chose the Avanti because of the overall performance of the aircraft; the speed, range and operating costs. It also has a huge cabin – you’d have to go up to a Citation Excel to get a cabin that size.”

Reuter experienced a test flight prior to purchase. He said: “The Avanti made a big impact very quickly. It’s quiet for the passengers and the cabin is very comfortable. There is also little vibration, due to the position of the engine – it’s just a great experience.”

The aircraft has performed well on the US market, and Reuter feels that this success is now being mirrored in Europe. “I think it’s a very interesting aircraft for European customers, since the speeds are very high and you can travel non-stop to almost anywhere in Europe. The Ferrari backing has definitely had a positive impact on the Avanti’s image. We had a customer who flew in one of our other aircraft and when we arrived at the airport there was a Piaggio on the ramp. It had the Ferrari logo on the tail and this made a big impression. He said: That’s the kind of aircraft I want to fly in!”

The aircraft is certified for nine people, but AirGO will operate it with a seven-person configuration. “We approached lots of customers who are currently using entry-level jets and made them aware that you

can get the same performance and more comfort for a lower or similar price. Many then realised that

maybe a turbo-prop wasn’t such a bad idea. I think we can convince lots of people who operate or use jets to come to our company and fly in the Piaggio,” said Reuter.

Based in Mainz (EDFZ), the Avanti will also have certification for London City Airport – a growing business aviation centre. According to Reuter, passengers will be able to fly from Frankfurt to London in less than an hour.

He added: “Right now this is a perfect time to buy an aircraft. This is a 2000 model which was originally sold to the US, then the owner sold it back to Piaggio in Genova and we bought it from the factory.”