Piaggio Aero celebrated the construction of its 100th Piaggio Avanti P180 aircraft, as the company held a rollout ceremony in June at its production facility in Genoa, Italy.

The aircraft, which is due to be delivered to a US customer in the third quarter of this year, had a customised paint scheme with ‘100’ emblazoned on the aircraft’s fuselage and tail. Staff attended the ceremony, which was presided over by ceo Jose Di Mase.

Later this year, Piaggio will unveil the new Avanti II – the aeroplane makes its public debut at the NBAA convention in New Orleans in October.

Piaggio also announced the sale of its latest model, the P180 Avanti II, to a French customer. The same customer took delivery of a P180 Avanti a few months previously.

Thierry Boutsen, president of Boutsen Aviation and sales agent for Piaggio Aero in France, Belgium and Monaco, said the customers love the Avanti because of its state-of-the-art avionics, quiet cabin and low operating costs. The Avanti II features Rockwell-Collins Pro Line 21 avionics, increased cruise speed and bigger payload.

It can fly more than 1,700 nautical miles at speeds of up to 395 kts (450 mph) and cruises at altitudes of up to 41,000 feet. Its cabin measures 69 inches high and 73 inches wide and seats up to nine passengers. The Italian designed and built aircraft is certified for single pilot operation.

Piaggio recently named the Omni Group of Lisbon as its sales representative for Spain, Portugal and all Portugese-speaking countries with the exception of Brazil. According to Massimo Isidori, Piaggio’s commercial vice president, this is likely to be extended to service centre approval.