Piaggio Aerospace sold its first Canadian-registered Avanti Evo to Centoco Holding Corp. of Windsor, Ontario. Recently handed over to Centoco, the aircraft was produced in 2018 and used as a demonstrator in the U.S. Under the sales agreement, Piaggio will keep an option to lease-back the Evo. While the first to be based in Canada, the Avanti Evo joins a fleet of seven earlier model Piaggio Avantis that operate in the country.

“I have been looking with interest at this distinctive, Italian aircraft since its entry into service,” Centoco chairman Anthony Toldo said. “Not only is it the fastest turboprop, but it has incredibly low operational costs and is eco-friendly.” 

Piaggio’s extraordinary commissioner Vincenzo Nicastro said the sale, along with other recently announced orders for the aircraft, is “a clear sign that there is a growing interest, especially in North America…We have now a clear perception that we are doing the right things to rebuild trust around the company and its future”. 

Piaggio recently received Italian government approval to seek a buyer, following a nearly year-long restructuring process that officials say has resulted in orders and commitments totaling more than $900 million.