Baykar Piaggio Aerospace Names CEO With Plans To Grow

Following the purchase of Italian-based Piaggio Aerospace by Baykar, the new company—now called Baykar Piaggio Aerospace—has appointed a CEO.

Giovanni Tomassini, Piaggio’s COO, has been named CEO of the new entity. Tomassini joined Piaggio in 2009 after serving at Ansaldo Sistemi Industriali and holding the position of production manager at Aermacchi.

Tomassini’s appointment provides continuity and trust in the competencies of the current management, says Haluk Bayraktar, CEO of Baykar and chair of the board of Baykar Piaggio Aerospace.

Baykar is a Turkish defense company specializing in uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). Under terms of the agreement, Baykar plans to maintain current employment levels at Piaggio’s Villanova d’Albenga and Genoa sites, with plans to grow the workforce. It intends to expand production of Piaggio’s P.180 Avanti EVO and enhance its role as a center of excellence for aircraft and engine maintenance in Europe.

Baykar also plans to build the Akinci and TB2 UAS at Piaggio facilities to support future market demand, it says.

“After the years of extraordinary administration, the company can now restart with a new industrial vision, capable of combining the legacy of Piaggio Aerospace with the innovation and expertise of Baykar,” Bayraktar says. “Giovanni’s experience will be crucial in making this path concrete and leading the company into a new phase of industrial development and international growth.”