PIAGGIO, the Italian aviation group, has restructured itself into two divisions, one responsible for aircraft production and support including the successful Avanti pusher propjet and the other dealing with the manufacturer”s engine business. Heading up the aircraft operation is Tom Appleton, who continues as president and CEO, Piaggio America, Inc. Best known as the man who launched the Dash 8 line for de Havilland Canada and later Bombardier Tom joined Piaggio in September 2003. With the Avanti II due for imminent certification, the Genoa-based manufacturer says that it will produce 21 aircraft this year, 26 in 2006 and 36 in 2007. To date 95 aircraft have been delivered.
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