The 'Ferrari of the sky' raced into DUBAI 2001

It will be the first time the Italian company has participated in the world-renowned Dubai air show.

The unique bullet-like profile will be a fixture on the static display area at Dubai 2001 from November 4-8. "With its strikingly unconventional shape, breath-taking handling characteristics and its short take-off and landing performance, we expect the P180 to turn a few heads," said Jose` Di Mase, CEO, Piaggio Aero Industries.

According to Di Mase the P180 Avanti owes its stunning looks and excellent performance to Piaggio's ability to exploit the three lifting surfaces configuration (3LSC). The unconventional shape results from a forward canard wing mounted in front of a reduced main wing and classic horizontal tail. 3LSC dramatically reduces the total lifting area needed to fly the aircraft while at the same time diminishing aerodynamic drag to boost efficiency.

The P180 Avanti has a maximum speed of 395 KTAS (732 km/h), a maximum VFR range of 1,750 n.m. (3,240 km) and a ceiling of 41,000 ft (12,500 m). "In the face of increasing global competition, the Avanti is the only aircraft to combine jet-like handling and performance with turboprop efficiency and costs," added Di Mase.

"Its wide-body and stand-up cabin accommodate up to nine passengers in unprecedented comfort and quietness. While the Avanti's performance coupled with its short runway capabilities and fuel efficiency make it more than a match for entry-level jet aircraft such as the Cessna Citation CJ2 and the Raytheon Premier," continued Di Mase.

Having established itself in the European and American markets, Piaggio Aero is seeking to open up new markets such as the Middle East. "From a business aircraft manufacturers point of view, the Middle East market has exceptional potential derived from the extensive, high-quality, customer base across the region," said Di Mase. "We view this market as a very important rim of opportunity."

According to Di Mase the Dubai air show is gaining increasing importance, becoming one of the most important fixtures on the international aerospace exhibition calendar. "Dubai 2001 represents the most important show for our aircraft in the region. We believe our participation will give us the opportunity to open new contracts for sales opportunities and enable us to consolidate existing contacts with potential customers,"

Apart from the Avanti itself, Piaggio Aero believes its close association with the Ferrari racing team will give it regional appeal - Piero Ferrari, son of Ferrari's founder, is chairman of Piaggio and Michael Schumacher provides testimonials for Piaggio Aero.

Piaggio Aero Industries, is the world's only producer of both aircraft and engines. The Italian company is headquartered in Genova with subsidiaries in France and the USA. Piaggio Aero France specialises in Avionics, Systems and Structures as well as supporting Piaggio's logistics arm. The South Carolina-based Piaggio America Inc. guarantees all marketing and after sales activities in the Americas which represents one of the most important markets for the P180 Avanti.

"So far approximately 20% of confirmed exhibitors are new to the show. This ability to attract new commerce is one of the great strengths of Dubai's aerospace exhibition and further testament to the buoyancy of the Middle Eastern aviation market. It's great to have an aviation innovator such as Piaggio, exhibiting at Dubai 2001," said Clive Richardson, CEO, Fairs and Exhibitions.

To date eight national pavilions have been confirmed for the air show, including the first time participation by an official Swedish pavilion, mounted by the Swedish Civil Aviation Group (SCAG), and 95% of floor space has been sold out with exhibitors from 30 countries.