Pilatus, the Swiss aircraft manufacturer, announced that the global fleet of Pilatus PC-12s has accumulated over ten million flight hours since the first delivery of the single-engine turboprop model. With almost 2,000 PC-12s delivered, the aircraft is now being used by corporate flight departments, fractional and charter companies, air ambulance service providers, individual owner-operators, and in special mission roles at the local, state, and national levels. The aircraft’s large cabin, standard cargo door, docile handling characteristics, and low operating costs offer significant appeal to nearly any type of operation.
Pilatus delivered 80 new PC-12s in 2022 and plans to increase production to meet the ongoing demand. The current model, the PC-12 NGX, is the third major variant of the type and incorporates Pratt & Whitney’s innovative Electronic Propeller and Engine Control System (EPECS) for its steadfastly reliable PT6 powerplant. Over the years, engine power and speed have been increased, new executive cabin interiors have been introduced, gross weight and payload capacity were increased, and the EPECS system was installed.
According to Pilatus, the PC-12’s past, present, and future success boils down to its appeal to a wide range of operations, solid reliability, and proven outstanding safety record. The aircraft’s fuel efficiency offers immediate and major reductions in carbon emissions as compared to midsize and larger business jets not optimized for all missions, which is becoming increasingly important for business aircraft operators. As a result, Pilatus is receiving increased interest in the PC-12 from flight departments looking for ways to continue to support their operational requirements with much greater efficiency.
Ignaz Gretener, Vice President of Pilatus’ Business Aviation division, credits the engineers who designed the robust airframe, the production team that builds outstanding quality into each unit, the sales team that found so many markets eager to adopt this versatile aircraft, and the support team dedicated to keeping them in the air. Gretener says, “With each aircraft and every individual owner and operator of a Pilatus aircraft, our goal is to become incrementally better.”
Markus Bucher, Pilatus Chief Executive Officer, added that the PC-12 has one of the highest levels of value retention among all business aircraft, which is an additional benefit for PC-12 owners. Pilatus leadership sees even greater future sales opportunities for the “World’s Greatest Single”.
