Business Aviation News

Pilatus PC-12 Marks 10 Million Flight Hours

Pilatus PC-12 Marks 10 Million Flight Hours

Pilatus Aircraft announced on May 1, 2023, that its global fleet of Pilatus PC-12s has officially accumulated more than 10 million flight hours since it first flew in 1991.

The Swiss aircraft manufacturer has so far delivered more than 1,900 PC-12s.

“When the PC-12 was launched, this milestone seemed light-years away in the future,” said Ignaz Gretener, Vice President of Pilatus’ Business Aviation division, while giving credit to the engineers and every team that has contributed to the milestone.

The PC-12 fleet has recorded more than 9.3 million landings, with four aircraft reporting over 50,000 landings. The Canadian fleet has flown more than 35,000 hours, while 71 PC-12s have logged over 20,000 hours of flight time.

The popular pressurized and single-engine turboprop aircraft is used for a wide range of missions, including executive transport, cargo, air ambulance, and government operations. The aircraft’s large cabin and cargo door make it ideal for transporting passengers and cargo, while its short takeoff and landing capabilities allow it to operate from small airports and remote locations.

The PC-12 has undergone several upgrades over the years, including the introduction of the PC-12NG in 2008, which features a more powerful engine, improved avionics, and a redesigned interior. In 2019, Pilatus unveiled the PC-12 NGX, which features a new engine, advanced avionics, and other improvements. The PC-12 NGX has been well-received by customers and has helped drive sales of the aircraft.

“We are especially grateful to our ownership base for trusting in Pilatus and helping us continuously improve the PC-12 so that it leads the market in sales year after year,” Gretener said.

In 2022, the company reported sales totaling US$1.4 billion and an operating income of US$241 million despite supply chain issues. It delivered 40 PC-24s, 80 PC-12NGXs, 10 PC-21s, and 3 PC-6s, which accounted for a substantial share of business results.


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