The prototype PA44 first flew in May 1976, and production deliveries of the PA44-180 began in May 1978. A contemporary of the Beechcraft Duchess and GA-7 Cougar, it was a twin-engined development of the Arrow series. At the time the aviation industry was secure, but a depressed market and the growth in popularity of high performance singles in the 1980s led to production in modest numbers.

The PA44-180T of 1980 introduced turbocharged engines, prop de-icing and oxygen. Piper ceased production in 1981, but again began Seminole production in 1988, to suspend it again two years later. Production resumed in 1995.