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The Piaggio P.180 Avanti EVO aircraft, dubbed the "Ferrari of the Skies," was displayed at the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2025) following Baykar's acquisition of the historic Italian aerospace company Piaggio Aerospace.
The high-performance, twin-engine turboprop aircraft designed for executive and VIP transportation was positioned in the static display area at Ataturk Airport during the defense exhibition held at the Istanbul Fair Center under the auspices of the Ministry of National Defense.
Piaggio Aerospace Chief Test Pilot Lorenzo Villi described Baykar's acquisition of the 140-year-old Italian aviation company as an exciting development both personally and professionally.
"When I heard that Baykar had bought Piaggio, I was very excited because this is a very active, technological and modern industrial company. I expect many new things in the future," Villi told Anadolu Agency on Saturday.
Villi, who has worked at Piaggio Aerospace since 2001 and previously flew fighter aircraft with the Italian Air Force, characterized the acquisition as a "rebirth" for the company.
"It's like I'm starting a new job, I feel like I'm starting over. I'm really very excited," he said.
The veteran test pilot emphasized the significance of being acquired by an industrial company rather than an investment fund, expressing optimism about long-term development prospects.
"We were bought by an industrial company, not by an investment fund. This gives me hope that long-term investments will be made. A long-term approach is very important in such a sector," Villi stated.
He expressed confidence that the merger would provide Piaggio with significant momentum for long-term investments, combining the Italian company's established aviation heritage with Baykar's dynamic industrial approach.
Villi later highlighted the P.180 Avanti EVO's superior technical capabilities, emphasizing that the aircraft offers far more than its appearance might suggest.
"This aircraft may look like an ordinary business jet, but it is actually the world's fastest turboprop aircraft. It flies at jet speed, its cabin is much quieter and wider. At the same time, it consumes much less fuel than its competitors, so it is an environmentally friendly aircraft. It is both efficient and comfortable," he explained.
The pilot detailed the aircraft's innovative design features, noting that maximum performance and fuel efficiency were prioritized in development.
"The wings are positioned behind the passenger cabin, providing low drag and high efficiency. The aircraft has three lifting surfaces. I can explain more technically, but just know this: it works," Villi said.
Villi emphasized the broader implications of the Baykar-Piaggio merger for European aerospace and defense capabilities.
"Baykar's combination of its competence in unmanned systems, artificial intelligence and advanced engineering with Piaggio's established aviation heritage should be carefully monitored for both Italy and Türkiye as well as the European defense ecosystem," he stated.
The test pilot indicated that the merger could lead to significant advances in both production capacity and flight technologies, creating what he described as "innovative synergy."
Piaggio Aerospace's 140-year aviation legacy now enters a new phase under Baykar ownership, with the Italian company's deep aerospace experience complementing the Turkish firm's modern technological capabilities.
Villi expressed belief that combining Piaggio's established heritage with Baykar's dynamic approach would create substantial opportunities for innovation and development in the aviation sector.
The display at IDEF 2025 represents the first major public showcase of Piaggio products under Baykar ownership.
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