Piaggio has sold its first Chinese-registered P180 Avanti IIs to Chinese operator CAEA Aviation Investment of Beijing, which will also act as its exclusive sales agent for the country.

The deal for two aircraft comes four months after the twin-engine turboprop clinched Chinese validation. The seven-seat aircraft is earmarked for delivery in July.

"China has huge aviation potential," Piaggio said in a statement. "Its fast expanding regional aviation market is expected to grow and open rapidly in the coming years, with the Chinese government moving to tap its enormous potential."

CAEA Aviation and Piaggio Aero "will push the development of the Chinese aviation industry to a new altitude, and allow it to exploit its vast potential for future development," the airframer added.

CAEA Aviation Investment Piaggio P180 Avanti  II,

 © Piaggio

Source: Flight International