UAE Air Force opts for Piaggio Aero aircraft

Paris: Italy's Piaggio Aero yesterday announced at the Paris Air Show that the UAE Air Force and Air Defence had selected its P180 Avanti II aircraft as part of its fleet expansion programme, which includes the acquisition of the two light multi-utility aircraft.

Piaggio did not reveal the size of the deal for the twin turboprop aircraft.

The company said the aircraft was chosen following an extensive evaluation process that took into consideration the characteristics and performance of several other aircraft in the same class as well as reliability, cost-effectiveness and operational flexibility.

"The UAE Air Force's selection of the Avanti II confirms the commitment of Piaggio Aero to maintain a priority relationship with one of the most important and selective markets in the world," said Piaggio Aero chief executive Alberto Galassi.