Piaggio Aero Industries and UK agent Sloane Aviation have delivered the first UK-registered P180 Avanti to Coventry-based charter company EuroSkyLink. Managing director Phil Pardoe said: “We are pleased with the progress with the certification of the aircraft and expect the Avanti to be operational during the first part of June, following the issue of the UK certificate of airworthiness.

“EuroSkyLink selected the Avanti for its unrivalled operational flexibility, economics and performance.

“In addition, the spacious unobstructed stand-up cabin, with its low ambient noise levels were

a key factor in our decision to purchase the Avanti.”

The company will operate the aircraft in vip/executive and air ambulance roles.

A spokesman for Sloane Aviation added: “As an air ambulance, the Avanti offers easy accessibility for patient loading and with the large cabin area offers an unobstructed working environment for the medical staff to gain full ‘head to toe’ access for up to two patients on the LifePort stretcher systems.

“We are confident that with the Avanti, Piaggio has a benchmark aircraft that continues ot attract a great deal of attention in the aviation marketplace.”