Avanti Piaggio P.180

Vanessa DellaPasqua, Helium Report

Though we generally restrict our coverage to private jet travel, occasionally a non-jet squeaks in. The Piaggio P.180 is one such machine; the sole plane offered by up-and-comer fractional provider Avantair.

Although the turboprop plane is limited by its range (New York to Palm Beach is its reach), it’s impressive in cabin size, speed, ceiling and especially cost. AvantAir estimates that a New York to West Palm Beach round-trip will arrive 10 minutes later than a jet, but costs $3,000 less.

The P.180’s unique rear-wing design preserves valuable cabin space by keeping the center of the plane free of the typical wing support. According to the company, the wing load factor is the highest in its class at 67. That compares to a 44 for a CJ1, 47 for a CJ3 and 67 for a Beechjet, and results in a smoother ride.

In general, you’d expect a prop plane to run less expensively than a jet. With Avantair, this allows for no hourly operating charge, though monthly rates are somewhat higher to compensate. Fuel surcharges— currently about $230 per hour—are claimed as the lowest in the industry.

See our chart comparing propeller vs. jet travel.

Avantair told us they expect their fleet of approximately 30 planes to grow to nearly 40 by the end of the year. The company has exclusive access to all new planes rolling off Piaggio’s assembly line, at a rate of two monthly. The firm has been forced to implement a waiting list. For those who want to invite their friends to ride in “their jet,” then this plane technically does not qualify. But if your regular travel routes can be handled by the P.180, then this plane is worth a closer look.

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