Baykar, the world's largest exporter of UAVs, has clarified its roadmap following the acquisition of Italian aviation legend Piaggio Aerospace. Piaggio Aerospace Chairman Haluk Bayraktar announced that they are ushering in a "new era" by combining the company's 140-year legacy with Baykar's dynamic production power. Bayraktar revealed that the next-generation version of the legendary P.180 aircraft, the "Avanti NX," is on its way, and that production will be increased to 30 aircraft per year, with Baykar drones also being manufactured at the Italian facilities.
A historic turning point is being reached in defense and aerospace cooperation between Turkey and Italy. Piaggio Aerospace, entering a new era with Baykar's strategic investment, is preparing to regain the ground it lost in civil aviation. Piaggio Aerospace Chairman Haluk Bayraktar announced the company's future vision, technological innovation plans, and production targets to the world public in a comprehensive interview shared on the Piaggio Aerospace YouTube account.
A Strategic Investment, Not a Financial One
Haluk Bayraktar specifically emphasized that the Piaggio Aerospace acquisition was not an ordinary financial purchase. Describing this initiative as a "strategic investment," Bayraktar highlighted that Piaggio's 140-year-old aviation heritage was combined with Baykar's agile engineering capabilities and high-tech manufacturing capacity.
Bayraktar stated, “Piaggio has a 140-year legacy of producing countless aircraft under the Italian aviation industry. This is a very important legacy for Baykar. Piaggio brings a unique advantage and potential to combine our technologies and strengths between Turkey and Italy.”.
Bayraktar stated that the company's modern production facilities in Villanova and its maintenance and repair (MRO) center in Genoa bring all capabilities together under one roof, adding that this infrastructure offers significant capacity in both aircraft production and engine parts manufacturing.
Huge Breakthrough in Production: Target is 30 Aircraft Per Year
One of the most striking parts of the interview was the target for increasing production capacity. Haluk Bayraktar, recalling that production of Piaggio's iconic P.180 Avanti aircraft has remained at low levels in recent years, announced that they will completely revamp these operations with Baykar's vision.
Bayraktar stated that currently 4 to 5 aircraft are produced annually, but they will radically increase this number with supply chain support. Bayraktar said, “Production will increase next year. We are determined to increase the P.180 Avanti production capacity to 25 to 30 aircraft per year. Existing facilities and setup allow for this. This is a very significant figure compared to our current level,” outlining the company's growth targets.
The Legend Has a New Name: “Avanti NX” Is Coming
The P.180 Avanti, which retains its title as the world's fastest turboprop aircraft and is a favorite among aviation enthusiasts for its design, has begun its technological renewal process. After summarizing the aircraft's development process as "Avanti," "Avanti II," "Avanti EVO," and "EVO Plus," Haluk Bayraktar pronounced the name of the new generation aircraft for the first time: Avanti NX.
Bayraktar said, “In the coming years, we will name the aircraft 'Avanti NX' (Next). Avanti NX comes with all major updates.‘.
Bayraktar, who also shared details of these updates, announced that work has begun on switching to Garmin avionics systems to meet and surpass industry standards. In addition, new interior designs that preserve Italian aesthetics, digital cabin pressurization systems, new environmental climate control systems, and satellite communication technologies will be integrated into the aircraft. Engineering studies are also underway to extend maintenance intervals.
Logistics Expansion into the US Market
Bayraktar stated that there are more than 220 P.180s actively flying worldwide since 1986, with approximately 100 of them in US airspace, highlighting the priority of the American market. He noted that they are aware of the expectations of US customers regarding spare parts and service, and announced plans to make radical investments in this area.
“Improving our operations in the US market to a much better state than they are now is our top priority,” said Bayraktar, recalling the authorized service center agreement signed with Intercontinental Jet Service Corp (IJSC). He stated that they aim to establish a logistics center in the US within a year, and pledged to minimize customer waiting times by increasing spare parts availability.
Baykar drones will be manufactured in Italy.
Haluk Bayraktar also signaled that Piaggio's facilities will not be limited solely to civil aviation. Recalling that Baykar is the world's largest exporter of tactical and higher-class UAVs, Bayraktar announced plans to manufacture drones at Piaggio's extensive facilities.
Bayraktar also mentioned the ongoing joint venture with Italian defense giant Leonardo, stating, “Within the scope of our joint venture with Leonardo, we plan to certify Baykar drones and localize production in Italy to serve Europe's needs.” This move is seen as a critical step in ensuring the continued presence of Turkish defense industry products in the European market.
From Pilot's Seat to Chairman's Seat: A Personal Passion
In a candid interview, Haluk Bayraktar stated that his interest in Piaggio predates the acquisition. He mentioned having the opportunity to fly the P.180 before the purchase and falling in love with the aircraft. Bayraktar added, “After the acquisition, we purchased two P.180 platforms, one second-hand and one brand new from the factory.”.
Bayraktar stated that the aircraft offers incredible comfort even in turbulent conditions thanks to its laminar flow wings and short wingspan, emphasizing that the P.180 is a "very robust" aircraft that combines jet comfort with fuel economy.
Cultural Synthesis: Pasta and Cappuccino
Referring to the cultural harmony in the cooperation between the two Mediterranean countries, Bayraktar humorously described the similarities and differences between Turkish and Italian cultures. “Pasta and pizza are very popular in Italy, and also in Türkiye. But we eat pasta with yogurt, which Italians would never do; it seems strange to them,” said Bayraktar, also alluding to the Italian rule of not drinking cappuccino after 11 am, adding that these cultural nuances add color to the cooperation.
In conclusion, the vision outlined by Haluk Bayraktar shows that Piaggio Aerospace was not only rescued financially, but also technologically transformed and made a central part of Baykar's global strategy. The Villanova facilities, where the Turkish and Italian flags fly side by side, are progressing towards becoming a new innovation and production hub in aviation.
