Press Release

Issued by Dassault Aviation Business Services Lugano.

May 18, 2013

RUAG Aviation has successfully completed its inaugural D inspection, having performed the fully comprehensive project on a Piaggio P180 Avanti.

The inspection was conducted at RUAG Aviation's Piaggio authorised service centre in Agno-Lugano. Both Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engines were overhauled and reinstalled, while several primary and secondary structural repairs were carried out on the aircraft fuselage. The project also included the inspection of the aircraft's avionics and electrical wiring systems, with repairs performed where necessary.

Aircraft components which were removed as part of the inspection were thoroughly tested and overhauled by means of RUAG Aviation's extensive in-house component overhaul capabilities. In addition to these heavy maintenance services, the Piaggio P180 Avanti also received full carpet replacement along with a minor refurbishment of its interior and a paint touch-up of its exterior livery. The customer's response to the inspection was extremely positive, with assurances that they would be recommending RUAG Aviation's D inspection services to others with similar requirements.

“We are delighted by the successful completion of this project,” said Stephan Woodtli, general manager of RUAG Aviation's Italian-speaking Lugano site. “We anticipate a growing demand for this type of support for the P180 Avanti, and the successful completion of this project affirms RUAG Aviation's capability in terms of delivering effective heavy maintenance services for this segment of aircraft owners and operators.

In addition to its D inspection capabilities, RUAG Aviation offers a portfolio of upgrade services for the Piaggio P180 Avanti. The company is authorised by Rockwell Collins to upgrade Piaggio P180 Avanti aircraft equipped with Pro Line 4TM avionics to Pro Line 21TM. This modernises the flight deck by integrating state-of-the-art LCD technology to provide improved situational awareness and enhanced flight operations.