Around the beginning of this month Avantair was expected to take delivery of another Piaggio Avanti. This aircraft will be not only the 22nd for the fractional provider but also the 100th Avanti delivered–exactly 15 years to the month since the turboprop twin received certification in October 1990.

The 100th aircraft entered Stevens Aviation in Greenville, S.C., late last month to begin its final completions process. The Italian-built Avanti is marketed and supported in North America by Greenville-based Piaggio America. “This is another wonderful moment for Piaggio,” said Piaggio America president Tom Appleton. “Looking forward, we are confident the best is yet to come.”

Deliveries of the new Avanti II, the planned successor to the basic model, featuring more powerful PT6s, Collins Pro Line 21 avionics and an increased mtow, are expected to begin this quarter.