History in the making
Beginning with furnishing the interiors of luxury cruise liners, Rinaldo Piaggio founds the company that will one day take to the skies and circle the globe.
Driving Italy’s industrial revolution
Seeking to expand into new industries, Piaggio opens its Finale Ligure plant for the manufacturing and repair of rolling stock.
A flying start
Spurred by the demands of the First World War, Piaggio starts with the repair and licensed production of aircraft.
Piaggio spreads its wings
The first aircraft designed by Piaggio, the P.1, takes to the air, and together with production of aircraft engines, the company firmly turns its focus skyward.
Daring the unconventional
With the radical P.7, an experimental high-speed seaplane developed for the Schneider Trophy, Piaggio pushes the boundaries of aeronautical design.
Winds of Change
The construction of an innovative wind tunnel, the first of its kind in Italy, propels Piaggio into a new era of aerodynamic research.
Power on four engines
The P.108 takes to the air to become the only operational four-engined bomber of the Axis forces in World War II, marking the company’s most ambitious leap into military aviation.
Built to go the distance
At the height of war, the P.108C takes flight as a long-range passenger aircraft designed to link Italy with the Americas, establishing Piaggio’s presence in intercontinental aviation design.
A new amphibious era
Lifting off from the water for the first time, the P.136 flying boat ushers in Piaggio’s post-war focus on civil aircraft design.
Excellence in flight
A successful line of trainer aircraft begins with the P.148, setting the foundation for decades of training excellence in Europe and abroad
A new chapter in the sky
The PD.4 helicopter achieves its first flight, expanding the brand’s legacy into the world of rotorcraft.
The Gull takes flight
With its characteristic Gull wings, the P.166 becomes a defining model in Piaggio’s postwar aircraft production, combining practicality with aerodynamic refinement.
Wheels and wings
Piaggio splits into separate companies for scooters and aircraft, allowing more specialized development in each sector.
The rise of an icon
After years of relentless research and bold engineering, the P.180 rises from the runway for the first time, and the legend of the Avanti begins.
Jet setting into new markets
Entering the jet age with the Piaggio PD.808 ‘Vespa Jet’, Piaggio broadens its technological expertise and reinforces its position in modern business aviation.
Into the Lightning Program
With its selection as supplier of the F135 LPT case by Pratt & Whitney, Piaggio secures its first contract tied to the Lockheed Martin F-35 (JSF) program
Evolution of an icon
The Avanti II debuts to expand the Avanti line with improved aerodynamics and performance for business aviation.
Europe’s first MALE UAV takes flight
The P.1HH HammerHead becomes Europe’s first Medium Altitude Long Endurance unmanned aerial vehicle to take to the skies
A new heart of production
Piaggio opens its Villanova d’Albenga plant, creating a modern hub for aircraft manufacturing and reinforcing its commitment to innovation in aircraft manufacturing.
Launching the Evo era
The first P.180 Avanti Evo rolls out to customers, marking Piaggio’s continued innovation in executive turboprop aviation.
One million hours in the sky
The P.180 surpasses one million flight hours worldwide.
Vision without borders
Baykar acquires Piaggio Aerospace, bringing together two aviation leaders with a shared vision to relaunch the brand globally.
The Next Era takes flight
Piaggio Aerospace unveils 'Avanti Next', its new brand, aircraft, and customer care concept.
WhenEverything Began
140 Years of Piaggio Stories | Episode 1 of 6