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Pilatus has already handed over 30 PC-24s since the first customer delivery in February 2018. The PC-24 fleet leader, serial number 101 belonging to PlaneSense, has already flown over 1,100 hours in its first 15 months of operation. The PC-24 fleet as a whole has clocked up over 5,000 hours of safe airborne time–an impressive result for the newly launched business jet by Pilatus.
All in all, 30 PC-24s are currently in operation around the world, including three PC-24s used as medevac aircraft for the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. Pilatus plans on delivering about 40 PC-24s in 2019, and on stepping up production to 50 aircraft the following year.
Oscar J. Schwenk, chairman of Pilatus, is delighted with the success of the PC-24: “Demand for the PC-24 is phenomenal. From day one, there has been keen interest from various customer segments all over the world. Feedback from the first 30 PC-24 operators is extremely positive, with special mention for the aircraft’s versatility, its spacious, quiet cabin and the incredible performance of the PC-24. These remarks plus the high degree of attention which the aircraft commands all confirm our chosen PC-24 strategy.”
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have already certified the PC-24 for use on unpaved runways. Work to obtain post-certification for other surfaces, including grass, is currently underway. The PC-24 has also been certified for steep approaches as required for the approach into London City Airport.
In 2014, Pilatus sold 84 PC-24s in the space of one-and-a-half days. The order book was subsequently closed until receipt of feedback from the first PC-24 operators.
“With the first Canadian PC-24 delivery being imminent, we are especially excited for the reopening of the PC-24 order book. Canadian customers can now secure firm positions, and add to their fleet an aircraft that will be able to take them closer to their final destination, in a cabin that is unrivalled by any manufacturer in its class. Add to it the versatility of the PC-24 platform, and you have yet another Pilatus aircraft that will change the landscape of Canadian aviation,” said Stan Kuliavas, vice-president, Sales & Business Development for Levaero.
Pilatus and its Authorised Pilatus Centres are now taking orders for the PC-24 again, with delivery positions programmed for late 2020 and 2021. The base price of the PC-24 is US$10.7 million.
The PC-24 Super Versatile Jet will be on display at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) from May 21 to 23 in Geneva, Switzerland. Reservations for personal visits can be made on site or at any Authorised Pilatus Centre.
