sexta-feira, 13 de março de 2026

The World’s First PC-12 PRO Aeromedical Delivered to the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia

Serial number 3010 arrived in Australia – the first of five brand-new PC-12 PROs for delivery to the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) Central Operations. The RFDS is a highly valued customer for over 30 years, so it seems fitting that the world’s first PC-12 PRO in aeromedical configuration should go to our longest-standing aeromedical partner.

These new PC-12 PROs will form part of the Central Operations fleet, regularly flying through the central corridor of South Australia and Northern Territory, delivering world-leading medical care to some of Australia’s remotest regions. The spacious pressurized cabin of over nine cubic meters can comfortably accommodate patients, crew, and high-tech medical equipment. The large cargo door and lift system facilitate quick and easy patient loading.

“The PC-12 has an outstanding safety record, and a proven history of reliability operating in the diverse and challenging environments where we deliver services, from southern Australia to the tropics in the Top End. It will strengthen our fleet reliability and our ability to respond quickly, safely and efficiently”, said RFDS SA/NT Chief Executive Tony Vaughan ASM.

At Pilatus, we are extremely proud to support the RFDS with the introduction of the new PC-12 PRO into their fleet. This brand-new aircraft builds on the proven legacy of the PC-12, delivering enhanced performance, advanced avionics and increased capability to support the RFDS in achieving its mission of ‘Furthest corner, Finest care,’ said Dave Scutchings, CEO of Pilatus’ subsidiary in Australia.

André Zimmermann, VP Business Aviation, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, added: “We are proud to support our long-term partner RFDS as they expand their air ambulance fleet with the acquisition of the latest model of the proven PC-12 PRO. This milestone reflects not only the strength of our enduring relationship, but also a shared commitment to delivering critical, life-saving services to communities in Australia. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and to supporting them in their mission for many years to come.”


 PC-12 PRO: Progressive, Proven, Professional

The PC-12 PRO is the latest development in the worldwide-proven PC-12 family, which boasts a purpose-built Garmin 3000 avionics system and a suite of innovative safety features such as the new Safety Autoland System, while still retaining its defining features such as short and unpaved runway capabilities and, of course, the large cargo door. With over 2,200 PC-12s delivered worldwide and more than twelve million flight hours logged, the PC-12 PRO continues the legacy of proven reliability, unmatched safety, and state-of-the-art technology, making this aircraft an obvious choice for the aeromedical community.

Life Flight Network Signs Ten-Year Agreement and Places Firm Order for 12 PC-12 PROs


Life Flight Network has signed a ten-year agreement and placed a firm order for twelve PC-12 PROs, with additional options secured for future fleet expansion. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027, marking a significant long-term investment in advanced air medical capabilities.

Life Flight Network, the largest not-for-profit air medical transport provider in the nation, announced its agreement for twelve turnkey medevac-configured PC-12 PROs. Life Flight Network is the launch customer in the United States for the PC-12 PRO with an aeromedical interior. The aircraft will be delivered by Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd through its Broomfield-based operation and will be fully outfitted for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) level care and transport.

Founded nearly a half-century ago, Life Flight Network has built a reputation for clinical excellence, operational reliability, and rapid response across diverse and often remote terrain. The addition of the PC-12 PRO will further modernize its current fleet and enhance its ability to provide safe, efficient, and life-saving transportation throughout its service region.

Ben Clayton, Chief Executive Officer of Life Flight Network, said: “This ten-year agreement represents a transformational step forward for our organization. The PC-12 PRO provides the performance, reliability, and advanced safety technology necessary to serve our communities across the Pacific Northwest, Intermountain West, and Hawaii. We are committed to investing in aircraft that enhance patient care, support our crews, and uphold the highest standards of safety.”

Thomas Bosshard, CEO of Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd, added: “The PC-12 PRO is a proven platform ideally suited for air medical missions. With its advanced avionics suite, exceptional performance capabilities, integrated Safety Autoland technology, and US-designed and -built medical interior, it delivers unmatched safety and operational flexibility. We are proud to support Life Flight Network as they continue their vital mission of providing critical care transport.”

Gulfstream G700 Earns Certification In India


Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today announced the Gulfstream G700 has been certified by the Government of India’s Office of the Director General of Civil Aviation, clearing the path for customer deliveries in the country. The G700 follows the Gulfstream G600 and Gulfstream G500 India certifications that were received in the second half of last year.

“We are seeing strong momentum in India as interest in our next-generation aircraft continues to grow,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “The advanced technology and safety features of our visionary fleet, combined with outstanding range, speed and cabin environment, are major differentiators for customers. The G700 in particular offers a transformative advantage with its globe-spanning range and the most spacious cabin in the industry. We look forward to continued growth of the Gulfstream fleet for customers throughout India and around the world.”

With more than 90 city-pair speed records to date, the G700 can fly 7,750 nautical miles/14,353 kilometers at Mach 0.85 or 6,650 nm/12,316 km at Mach 0.90 and link New Delhi to New York at Mach 0.87 or Mumbai to London at Mach 0.90.

The G700 also offers the most spacious cabin in business aviation, delivering exceptional flexibility and a high degree of customization. The aircraft features the signature Gulfstream Cabin Experience with 100% fresh air, abundant natural light from 20 Gulfstream Panoramic Oval Windows and the industry’s lowest cabin altitudes at the highest elevations. Customers can select from a range of advanced interior options, including high‑speed internet connectivity packages; an ultrahigh‑definition circadian lighting system; an ultragalley with more than 10 feet of counter space; or a grand suite featuring a fixed bed and shower.

The award-winning G500 and G600 — which debuted Gulfstream’s next-generation Symmetry Flight Deck featuring the industry’s first active control sidesticks and most extensive use of touch-screen technology — continue to see exceptional demand and utilization around the world with more than 370 aircraft in service and over 150 city-pair speed records, combined.

 

Bombardier Global 6500 Aircraft Acquired By The National Research Council Of Canada To Conduct Critical Research And Development Activities

Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft will join the NRC’s Aerospace Research Centre fleet as research platform

An announcement to highlight the National Research Council of Canada’s defence initiatives, including the purchase of this aircraft, took place on March 9th in Ottawa, in the presence of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, and Mitch Davies, President of the National Research Council of Canada

The Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, with its history of successful special-mission modification and its proven reliability and endurance, is an ideal platform for research and development activities

Assembled in the Greater Toronto Area, the Global 6500 aircraft will support the development of defence-related technologies within Canada.


The Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft has been acquired by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) to support advanced research and development activities for the defence and dual-use sectors. The Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft will join the NRC’s Aerospace Research Centre fleet as a next-generation, high-performance research platform, enabling Canadian innovation partners to demonstrate cutting-edge technologies to support the Department of National Defence needs across a broad range of applications.

The Government of Canada spotlighted the Global 6500 aircraft acquisition during an event held at the NRC’s hangar in Ottawa. Attendees included the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement and Mitch Davies, President of the National Research Council of Canada.

The NRC’s acquisition of a Global 6500 aircraft strengthens Canada’s continued confidence in this platform, complementing the Government of Canada’s order of 6 Global 6500 aircraft announced in December 2025 to support global utility flights and critical missions such as aeromedical evacuations, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance and national security operations.

“Canada has an exceptional talent base that will enable the Government of Canada and the NRC to conduct advanced research and development with their new Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, supporting the creation of next‑generation sovereign defence and aerospace capabilities,” said Stephen McCullough, Executive Vice President, Engineering, Product Development and Bombardier Defense. “The Global 6500 is a proven and highly adaptable platform, chosen for diverse mission profiles around the world, and it will continue to contribute to the advancement of innovation across Canada’s defence and aerospace ecosystems, as well as those of allied countries.”

With decades of experience delivering special-mission aircraft to governments and operators worldwide, Bombardier has extensively adapted the Global 6500 platform to support complex scientific, governmental, and special-mission requirements. Its proven ability to integrate evolving technologies throughout its service life makes it particularly well suited to support the NRC’s critical innovation priorities and to reinforce Canada’s broader research and defence capabilities.

The Global 6500 aircraft offers a mission-configurable cabin with ample space, long-range performance, and a robust electrical and structural architecture that allows for the seamless installation and integration of evolving technologies, including advanced research equipment, sensors, and mission systems. These capabilities will provide the NRC with a versatile and enduring platform to support research initiatives in service of Canada’s defence and national interests.

Bombardier is proud to draw upon Canada’s world-class aerospace supply chain, with the aircraft assembled at the company’s Pearson facility in Mississauga, Ontario. The Global 6500 platform benefits from the contribution of more than 65 Canadian suppliers from coast to coast, and as part of the contract with Bombardier the NRC aircraft will be modified in Canada to enhance its mission-specific capabilities.

Bombardier business jets are ideal for defence missions including Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), multi-role, head of state transport, medevac, urgent humanitarian assistance and more. Bombardier is known for its flexible, collaborative approach, building long-term relationships with governments and militaries, and joining forces with the world’s most advanced mission system providers to provide proven, reliable and advanced defence solutions.