Showcasing the PC-12 NGX and PC-24 Super Versatile Jet at the world's premier business aviation show, the National Business Aviation Association & Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the Pilate confirms very high demand for both aircraft.
By the end of September 2022, Pilatus had delivered 47 PC-12 NGX and 27 PC-24. Of these aircraft, approximately 62% were completed by the US subsidiary Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd in Broomfield, Colorado.
Based at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC) since 1996, the company will create more than 25 new jobs in 2022 with the recent expansion of the facility to include new painting operations. Additionally, Pilatus acquired Skytech in September 2022 and its workforce of 120 employees.
Skytech has operated as an independent Authorized Sales and Service Center since 1993 and is now part of the Pilatus Group, which employs over 300 people in the US.
2.000th PC-12 and 200th PC-24 to be delivered in 2023
Among this year's notable deliveries are charter operators PlaneSense (US) and JetFly (Europe). Both companies reported continued strong enger demand.
Pilatus Authorized Centers report that many of their existing PC-12 customers are switching to the latest version, the PC-12 NGX, to take advantage of the new engine and avionics technology, as well as the completely new interiors.
Through the third quarter of 2022, Pilatus has delivered 1.920 PC-12s since the start of the program and will celebrate a major milestone by delivering the 2.000th PC-12 next spring. This aircraft will be delivered to PlaneSense, the largest Pilatus fleet operator in the world, with 41 PC-12s and eight PC-24s.
Total fleet time for the PC-12 is currently at over 10 million flight hours. Pilatus will also deliver the 200th PC-24 in spring 2023. This is a milestone worth mentioning in this young program. The worldwide fleet of PC-24s has accumulated 116.000 flight hours since 2017.
Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, commented: “We are very lucky to have the PC-12 and PC-24 in such high demand among our loyal customers. Despite the current inflationary environment, the rising cost of energy in Europe and the anticipated economic downturn, our global sales network remains optimistic that the very high demand for our unique aircraft will weather the storm.”
Bucher went on to address the challenges of producing aircraft in the current economic context: “Our top priority at Pilatus right now is taking care of current owners and those who have already ordered. Like most companies, Pilatus has not been immune to the difficulties of securing a reliable supply of quality components to keep production running efficiently and customers flying without interruption.”
“Where we cannot provide immediate solutions, we are investing considerable effort in communicating with our customers to provide them with the high level of they have come to expect and deserve from Pilatus.”
To stay close to customers, better understand their needs and communicate directly with pilots, maintenance personnel and managers, Pilatus held two PC-24 operator meetings – one in the US and one in Europe. Other events of this type are planned for 2023.
Focus on sustainability
Finally, addressing the issue of sustainable manufacturing, Markus Bucher stated: “As a Swiss company, it is part of our culture to care about protecting the environment, and our established work practices include conserving resources and operating with the lowest possible impact.”
“As far back as 1973, the company magazine, Pilatus Post, featured a story on how we treated manufacturing wastewater. Today, the Pilatus facility has 230.000 square feet of solar s generating electricity for our operations in Switzerland. 94 percent of the energy used in the production of Pilatus aircraft comes from hydroelectric, nuclear and solar sources.”
“All of our aircraft are approved to operate on sustainable aviation fuel. Our single-engine turboprop aircraft are also extremely efficient to operate as they produce fewer emissions.”
The PC-12 NGX and PC-24 will be on display at the NBAA. The appointment for viewing the aircraft can be made on site or through the respective Pilatus Authorized Center.
Street: Pilate
