Over the past several years, Piaggio has increased its worldwide service network and committed to expansion in the Asia Pacific region. In furthering these initiatives, the airframer on Tuesday designated Tianjin International Airport-based Freesky Aviation as its first authorized service center on mainland China.

“Piaggio Aero is fully committed in making extraordinary quality products and supporting them with best-in-class service centers,” said Giuliano Felton, the Italian company’s chief commercial officer. “The establishment of Freesky Aviation as a P.180 Avanti II authorized service center marks a red letter day in Piaggio Aero’s plan to deliver to China the economics, performance, style and continuous efficiency of the most unique aircraft in business aviation.”

Freesky, which also offers aircraft charter and management services (and has a Bombardier Challenger 850 here on the ABACE static display), introduced the first Avanti II twin turboprop to China in 2012. “Being appointed as the first P.180 Avanti II authorized service center in China is a great milestone for Freesky Aviation and it also represents a solid step forward in the development of our business,” said Han Wenjun, Freesky’s vice president of maintenance. “As their first authorized service center, we will provide professional and comprehensive service to all Avanti operators and we will further expand the customer service network of Piaggio Aero.”

Meanwhile in Italy, Piaggio Aero Industries’ new industrial plant in Villanova d’Albenga, Italy, a future production facility for the AvantiIItwin turboprop, is expected to be completed soon and fully functional by the first quarter of next year.