L3 Commercial Aviation placed an order for up to 240 new Piper Aircraft piston singles and twins on Wednesday at Sun ’n‘ Fun 2019, representing Piper’s largest civilian fleet order in its history. The aircraft will modernize L3’s training fleet at its airline academies in Florida; Ponte de Sor, Portugal; and the UK.

Under the contract, the first 26 aircraft—19 Piper Archer TX piston singles and seven Piper Seminole twins—will be delivered by year-end. The new aircraft will support the growing demand for L3’s cadet pilot programs amid the global pilot shortage.

"We are delighted to sign this long-term agreement with L3, knowing that trusted Piper trainer aircraft will once again launch thousands of aspiring pilots' careers around the world," said Piper Aircraft president and CEO Simon Caldecott. "Our advanced training aircraft are the ideal classrooms for cadets to learn and first experience the joy of flying."