Piaggio Aero

The original Societa Anonima PIAGGIO & C. was founded in 1884 in Genova, Sestri by Senator Rinaldo Piaggio and was involved in the manufacturing of naval furniture. The Finale Ligure plant started its activity in 1906.
In 1915 Piaggio became actively involved in the aeronautic field, developing and producing aircraft and aviation engines: up until now Piaggio has designed, developed and manufactured some 51 different models of aircraft and since 1922 had been manufacturing piston engines of its own design, while since 1960 Piaggio has been manufacturing turbine engines (turbo shaft and turbojet).

In 1946 the Vespa motor scooter became one of Piaggio's developments. The world famous scooter evolved from a mix of aeronautical technology with practical and robust applications, using innovative mechanical solutions.

The Industrie Aeronautiche e Meccaniche Rinaldo Piaggio S.p.A. Company was formed in 1964 as an independent firm from the firm manufacturing motor bikes.

On November 1st 1998, following the acquisition of the assets of I.A.M. Rinaldo Piaggio S.p.A. Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. formed a new organization with new management and a new board of directors. Chairman of the Board of Directors is Mr. Piero Ferrari who is also vice president of the famous Italian car company; he brings to the company everything that the image of the 'red car' evokes. Sergio Pininfarina has added his unique styling to the interior of the Piaggio P.180 Avanti. Piaggio, Ferrari and Pininfarina - three famous names among Italy's leading businesses - are combining their talents to ensure the Avanti's success.

Currently Piaggio Aero Industries has its operations spread over two production plants, one in Genova Sestri with a total area of 50 000sq.mt. while the other in Finale Ligure occupies a total area of 70 000sq.mt. Piaggio Aero Industries manufactures aircraft of its own design, turbine engines under license and participates in International programs like the Falcon 2000 aircraft with Dassault, the C27J aircraft program with Alenia and the RTM 322 aero-engine with Rolls Royce and Turbomeca.

Engine production and maintenance are based in Finale Ligure's plant. Operations comprise a maintenance center and two production areas, one for machined parts and the other for major aircraft sub-assemblies.

Aircraft final assembly, flight testing, aircraft overhaul and shelter production are located at the Genova Sestri plant where the company headquarters are also based. Currently Piaggio Aero Industries employs about 1250 people in total.