Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Italy’s Guardia di Finanza police force is adding a third Piaggio Aerospace P.180 Avanti Evo twin pusherprop to its fleet. Announced today,&nbsp;the order was the manufacturer’s first sales transaction since it was <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-07-01/baykar-completes-piaggio-aerospace-acquisition">acquired in July by Turkish aerospace group Baykar</a>.
Under the contract, the customer holds options for further aircraft and will also receive product support and supplies. The Guardia di Finanza is a military unit that combats financial and economic crimes, including tax evasion, smuggling, money laundering, counterfeiting, and the funding of terrorist groups.
Baykar completed its takeover of Piaggio after a prolonged process spanning more than six years since the company sought options for restructuring in the face of insolvency. The deal had to be approved by the Italian government due to the sensitivity around military programs.
Ownership of Piaggio expands Baykar’s horizons beyond its primary focus on drones. The group may seek to revive Piaggio’s plans to use the Avanti airframe as the basis for the proposed P.1HH HammerHead medium-altitude long-endurance uncrewed aerial system.
Now, the Genoa-based company is trading under the name Baykar Piaggio Aerospace. In July, the new owners appointed existing COO Giovanni Tomassini as CEO of its Italian aircraft manufacturer subsidiary.

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Piaggio has logged its first aircraft sale since it was acquired by Turkish group Baykar, with an order from Italy’s Guardia di Finanza for a third Avanti.

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Piaggio P.180

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