The video visits Piaggio Aerospace, where Lorenzo Villi and others describe the P180 Avanti Evo. It covers the cabin, wing production, leadership, and MRO.
What the video covers
Written in our own words. It only describes what the video shows and says.Chief test pilot and cabin tour
The video opens at Piaggio Aerospace with Lorenzo Villi, the chief test pilot, who says he has worked at Piaggio since 2001. He says he joined after leaving the Air Force and wanted to love the aircraft. The presenter then describes the cabin of the P180 Avanti Evo while approaching Albenga. He notes the cabin size for the light jet class, a four seat corporate configuration at the rear, three seats at the front, two pilot seats, a private lavatory behind a fixed door, fridge systems, side storage, fold out tables, reclining chairs, ceiling lights, floor lighting, reading lights, and windows.
Wing production and assembly
After landing at Albenga, the presenter says the approach was made against the wind. He says the visit will explain how the aircraft works and how it is built at Albenga. The video then moves to a machine that makes the wing. A Piaggio Aerospace employee explains that a thick piece of aeronautical aluminium is placed in a numerical control machine, which removes material to produce the wing from a single piece. The presenter asks about ribs and skin, and the employee confirms that the wing is cut from one billet, with no riveting and a smooth rear surface. The employee points out the large CNC machine that does this.
The video shows the wing to fuselage joint, where two wing parts stand ready to be fixed to a panel. The employee explains that the parts will touch together and be fixed in the fuselage, forming a rigid and light system.
Leadership, services and marketing
Cristian Toninelli, the CEO of Piaggio Aerospace, says he has been at the company since last November and previously worked at the company between 2012 and 2018. He says he joined after the company was acquired, was responsible for the aircraft business unit, and became CEO in May. He says he believes the team can make the product best in class and remain best in class. The video then describes installation of hoses and harnesses, continuity and bonding checks, installation of the windshield, windows and doors, a pressurisation test, and completion of systems. The presenter says some secret parts are made behind closed doors, including parts for the F-35.
Alberto Caruso, chief marketing and branding for Piaggio Aerospace, says he also works within the group on international ventures involving design, creativity and marketing. He says the brand has developed many innovations over the years, and that the P180 has already been around for 40 years. He says the biggest challenge is returning to a high pace of production after disruption during seven years of special administration. He says Piaggio Aerospace also offers MRO for engines and service for the P180 as an MRO centre in Genova, giving full capacity and skills across aerospace domains. He says he receives messages from aviation enthusiasts.
