The European Aviation Safety Agency granted certification yesterday for a new auxiliary fuel tank to be installed on the Piaggio Aero Avanti II and Avanti Evo.

The tank, which replaces half a closet in the twin pusherprop’s lav and involves no changes to the airframe, increases fuel capacity to 3,226 pounds from 2,826 pounds. This will boost maximum range (four passengers with IFR NBAA reserves) by 17 percent to 1,720 nm from 1,470 nm, allowing nonstop flights between city pairs such as Milan and Reykjavik, Abu Dhabi and Istanbul, Beijing and Hainan, Miami to Phoenix and Los Angeles to Detroit.

The additional fuel tank is available as a $275,000 option on the new extended-range Avanti II and on the new Evo.

During July, the first two extended-range Avanti IIs will be delivered to China’s Sparkle Roll General Aviation in Beijing. The new Evo derives performance gains and lower noise from new five-blade scimitar propellers, new winglets, redesigned nacelles and a reshaped front wing. The aircraft will also feature an improved cabin environment, as well as anti-skid braking, low-maintenance landing gear, digital steering and LED lighting.