Gregory Polek has spent his entire career in aviation journalism with AIN, starting as a proofreader and assistant to then-managing editor Mary Mahoney in 1995 after serving an internship with&nbsp;New Jersey Monthly&nbsp;magazine and completing his B.A. degree in English/Writing at New Jersey’s William Paterson College. By 1997 Polek accepted a position as an associate editor, covering the regional airline beat for&nbsp;Aviation International News&nbsp;in place of retiring industry veteran Don Anderson. The assignment took Polek across North America and Europe to profile regional airlines varying in size and mission from the likes of floatplane operators Kenmore Air and Chalk’s Ocean Airways to regional jet operators such as SkyWest and American Eagle. Today, in his dual role as Air Transport Editor and International Airshow Editor, Polek writes, edits, and manages AIN’s commercial aviation content while overseeing each of the company’s daily international air show publications in Paris, Farnborough, Singapore, and Dubai. Most recently Polek has assumed oversight of daily coverage of the Helicopter Association International’s annual Heli-Expo convention.

Senior Editor

Gregory Polek

Piaggio Aerospace has retrofitted an initial P.180 Avanti I to a new Avanti II+ configuration for the Italian Air Force, the Italian manufacturer said today. Technicians and engineers upgraded, certified, and delivered the turboprop twin based on what the company calls the latest aeronautical technologies.
The delivery of the “leader aircraft,” which Piaggio will use as a model for 12 more Avanti II+ airplanes, marks a significant milestone in the Italian Armed Forces’ long-term fleet modernization program. The Italian military plans also include production of 15 new Avanti Evo turboprops carrying a new configuration of Avanti Evo+.
As part of the same program, a few days ago the first P.180 Evo+ left Piaggio Aerospace’s aerospace center of excellence in Villanova d’Albenga for its customer support facilities in Genoa, where it will undergo painting and furnishing after further tests. Both the modernized aircraft and the new-production Evo+s will come equipped with updated avionics, landing gear with enhanced steering, and anti-skid brakes.
The company entered extraordinary receivership proceedings in late 2018 and in June its commissioners received 18 expressions of interest for the purchase of Piaggio Aero Industries and Piaggio Aviation, both of which operate under the Piaggio Aerospace brand. Commissioners intend to identify a new owner for the company by year-end and have given themselves until May 13, 2024, to complete the transaction.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Piaggio Delivers First Retrofitted P.180 Avanti to Italian Air Force

Upgraded Avanti now carries new configuration of Avanti II+

Piaggio Aerospace has finished retrofitting a first P.180 turboprop for the Italian Air Force.

Piaggio Delivers First Retrofitted Avanti II+

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Chicago is nearing 10 million parts shipped while Frankfurt is close to 1.5 million

Two Decades On, Bombardier’s Parts Hubs Near Milestones

Curt Epstein

Facility will specialize in smaller Boeing and Airbus aircraft

FL Technics To Open New Caribbean MRO by End of Year

Matt Thurber

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

System makes it easier to ensure training requirements are met

Mission Aviation Adopts ELMS Compliance Solution

Deadline is approaching rapidly, and experts worry that repair stations are not ready

SMS Due for U.S. Repair Stations Holding EASA Approval

Amy Wilder

Certified mobile teams provide on site services

Lufthansa Technik Adds European Engine Wash Partner

Top-tier maintenance plan brings additional user benefits

Textron Aviation Expands ProAdvantage for Citation CJs

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Halotron BrX replacement units are size-equivalent and weigh about the same

Avcon Approved for Non-Halon Extinguishers in Learjets

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

In this article

Piaggio P.180

Piaggio

More In Maintenance and Modifications