Pilatus Breaks Ground on Delivery Center as well as Manufacturing and Engineering Facility in Colorado USA

Pilatus marked the official start of construction on a new state-of-the-art facility at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Broomfield, Colorado. The new building will house a premium customer delivery center, where customers from all over the country can configure and personalize their PC-12 or PC-24. Additionally, Pilatus will significantly expand its existing engineering as well as passenger seat processing capabilities for the growing fleet.

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together senior Pilatus executives and representatives from Jefferson County Government, Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, and numerous local and regional stakeholders.

Markus Bucher, CEO of the Pilatus Group, emphasizes the importance of the investment: “This new facility with an investment of 50 million US dollars will allow Pilatus to expand local engineering capabilities by creating more than 50 new, highly paid jobs. Together, these functions will support Pilatus’ continued commitment to quality, innovation, and Swiss craftsmanship while ensuring an exceptional customer experience”.

Thomas Bosshard, CEO of the Pilatus subsidiary, Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd, added: “The United States is the most important market for Pilatus, and this investment underscores our commitment to a personalized and seamless customer experience throughout the ownership journey”.

Eco-Driven Building Design

Sustainability is a key element of the project and a core value for Pilatus. The new building has been designed to achieve LEED Gold certification and will incorporate photovoltaic panels to harness solar energy, reflecting the company’s commitment to responsible growth and environmentally conscious operations. By integrating sustainable energy solutions and high-efficiency design standards into the facility, Pilatus continues to prioritize long-term environmental stewardship as it expands its global footprint.
Large footprint in the US

Effective January 1, 2026, Pilatus consolidated its US subsidiaries into a single entity, Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd, creating a unified organization of approximately 400 employees with harmonized systems across all American operations. The company’s US footprint includes its headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado, as well as additional locations in Westminster (Maryland), Rock Hill (South Carolina), and Atlanta (Georgia).

PC-12 PRO Simulator Certified for Pilot Training

Progressive, Proven, Professional: the Pilatus Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE), based on the Garmin G3000 PRIME, is at the heart of the brand-new PC-12 PRO. The accompanying flight simulators have now been certified, and are set to play a center stage role in the new pilot training program. The system is unique within this aircraft category, and sets new standards in terms of technology, efficiency and safety.

The new PC-12 PRO flight simulators mark a significant milestone in pilot training. Approved in accordance with the requirements of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), they are now available for various training missions in Switzerland, and in the USA through SIMCOM.

The Europe-based simulator is EASA-approved as a Level 2 Flight Training Device, and as a Level II Flight Navigation Procedures Trainer Multi-Crew Cooperation. Under the FAA, the simulator is approved as a Level 6 Flight Training Device.

Serving as a systems trainer, the simulator allows crew members to familiarize themselves with the systems and functions of the PC-12 PRO’s brand-new smart cockpit, and to acquire proficiency in operating them in a realistic environment. It can also be used to train procedures and workflows, including the simulation of abnormal situations and challenging weather conditions. 

PROficient Training

Time in the simulator provides very effective, high-quality training, allowing pilots to practice complex or rare situations in a realistic environment with opportunity for repetition, further enhancing safe operation of the exceptionally safe, globally proven PC-12. At the same time, simulator training contributes to sustainability as it has less impact in terms of emissions.

The differences training required to transition from the PC-12 NG or NGX to the PC-12 PRO can be completed entirely in the simulator. All this results in training of the highest quality that is also more time and cost-effective.

The new PC-12 PRO simulator provides a highly efficient platform for learning to operate the brand-new Garmin G3000 avionics. “The instructors are true experts who push you to perform at your best,” says Captain Ralf Wendland of Austrian-based Kitzbühel Airways, who successfully completed the training.

David Liechti, a pilot and Team Leader Flight Training at Pilatus, added: “We are taking training to the next level with our new PC-12 PRO flight simulator and web-based training. The result is a training program which not only delivers the highest quality, but also actively contributes to improved flight safety”.

The first full-motion PC-12 PRO simulator is also currently in production and is planned to be available in 2028 at Fly7’s training center at Lausanne Airport (La Blécherette), Switzerland.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defense Selects the PC-24 with an Order for Twelve Aircraft

The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has selected the PC-24 to support the Indonesian Air Force transport pilot training, air transport and liaison missions. A contract for twelve PC-24s has been signed with PT E-System Solutions Indonesia, the authorized defense contractor by the Ministry of Defense. The contract includes an option for additional aircraft, ground support equipment, tools, spare parts, training, and technical support from Pilatus headquarters in Stans, Switzerland.

The PC-24 was developed for exceptional operational flexibility and is certified for single-pilot operation. It is equipped with a standard cargo door and is approved for use on unpaved runways. These features make the aircraft ideal for a variety of government missions, including instrument flight rules (IFR) pilot training, transport, and liaison duties. Pilatus will provide its integrated support program to ensure maximum fleet availability and efficient maintenance.

With the selection by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, Pilatus has further strengthened its presence in Southeast Asia. The planned usage demonstrates the great versatility of the PC-24. Above all, however its ability to take off and land at short airfields and operate from unpaved runways, which increases accessibility to more remote islands in the 17,000-island nation, was a decisive selection criterion.

Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, commented: “We appreciate the trust placed in Pilatus by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense. This program marks the beginning of a long-term relationship, and our priority is to support Indonesia in putting the fleet into service smoothly.”

Ioannis Papachristofilou, Vice President of Government Aviation at Pilatus, added: “The selection by the Indonesian Air Force emphasizes the growing interest of government operators in our PC-24 Super Versatile Jet. We remain focused on supplying solutions to facilitate various missions ranging from training to transport.”

At the same time, a Letter of Intent (LOI) has been signed among the parties for the supply of 24 PC-21 trainers. This package also includes Ground Based Training Equipment, spare parts, ground support equipment and technical support.

Pilatus Acquires German Air Alliance and Strengthens Its Presence in Europe

Founded in 1993, Air Alliance GmbH is recognized for its expertise in the sale of Pilatus aircraft, maintenance services and flight training. The entire workforce of approximately 120 employees will be retained under the acquisition. René Petersen, the current Managing Director, will remain with the company as CEO. He and his team will lead further operations under the new ownership structure.

Air Alliance has been an authorized Pilatus Sales & Service Center since 2014, overseeing sales and technical support for the PC-12 and PC-24 in Germany and Austria. The company’s portfolio of services also includes a flight training school and commercial flights with the PC-12 and PC-24 Super Versatile Jet under a professional aircraft management program and air operator certification (AOC). This puts Air Alliance in touch with the entire value chain: from sales and maintenance through to operational management.

Unicair GmbH, the Air Alliance Group’s subsidiary, which provides global ambulance flights, is not part of the acquisition and will remain an independent company.

Growing European Market

The acquisition builds on a successful partnership of many years. It provides an opportunity for Pilatus to expand its market presence and strengthen the quality and consistency of its portfolio of services in Europe, with the aim of moving even closer to its customers and of consistently leveraging synergies between manufacturing, sales and operations.

Speaking at the contract signing, Pilatus Chairman of the Board of Directors, Hansueli Loosli, noted: “Europe, particularly Germany and Austria, is a very important market for Pilatus, and offers potential for further growth. This acquisition gives us the opportunity to leverage synergies and move even closer to our customers with the Pilatus brand and our own services. I’m delighted that we have Air Alliance and its employees on board with us to fulfill our mission together – Welcome to the Pilatus Family!”

The merger opens the door to new opportunities for Air Alliance, too: “Pilatus will allow us to embark on further growth in our markets and areas of strengths – something which we could not have achieved at the planned pace without a partner as strong as Pilatus”, commented René Petersen.

Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, added: “Going forward, we will do everything possible to work together to provide our customers with the exclusive, first-class service they are entitled to expect as purchasers or owners of a Pilatus aircraft. We all look forward to building an even closer partnership in the future.”

The transaction is subject to the usual regulatory approvals as well as the approval of the German Federal Aviation Authority.

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.”

The first PC-12 PRO is now flying in Mexico

Single Air, an Authorized Pilatus Center, has made the first delivery of a PC-12 PRO in Mexico. Featuring a completely new Garmin cockpit, innovative safety functions such as the Safety Autoland System, and even greater comfort, the brand-new PC-12 PRO sets new standards in its class.

With this handover, the latest member of the PC-12 family makes its debut on the Mexican market: the PC-12 PRO is ideally suited to the varied mission profile and geographical requirements of a country like Mexico. Its versatility – from business and charter flights to government operations and deployment in challenging conditions on short, unpaved natural runways – makes it an attractive solution for operators nationwide.

Speaking at the handover, Adrian Zambrano, Managing Director of Single Air, commented: “In Mexico, the unique capabilities of the PC-12 and the PC-24 are driving growing demand for both aircraft. The first delivery of the brand-new PC-12 PRO confirms the high degree of customer confidence in Pilatus’ innovative strength.”  

With over 2,200 PC-12s delivered worldwide and more than eleven million flight hours logged, the PC-12 PRO faithfully continues the tradition of innovation, versatility and reliability. The “Most Advanced Single” is a testament to its efficiency, popularity and reputation as a powerful, reliable aircraft.

Adrian Zambrano further emphasizes: “In a single-engine aircraft, the choice of powerplant is crucial for our customers. They want a tried-and-tested product – which only the PC-12 PRO can offer in this class of aircraft.”

With over 60,000 engines in service and more than 400 million flight hours, the PT6 family of engines has an unparalleled safety record. Paired with the latest version of the proven Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 engine and fully automatic Engine and Propeller Electronic Control System (EPECS), the PC-12 PRO offers a unique combination of efficiency, safety and state-of-the-art technology.

 

Flying Coral Reef - Passion for the Sea, Love for Flying

For many pilots, an aircraft is simply a means of getting from one place to another. For Fred Hudson, a Florida-based entrepreneur, his Pilatus PC-12 is much more than that, it’s a flying reflection of his passions. Looking at this PC-12, you might think it belongs to Jack Sparrow or the Disney Company – the paint scheme is simply stunning, eye-catching, and even a little wild. But when you look behind the curtain, you’ll see that it actually belongs to a serious and very proud owner who is also a huge Pilatus fan.

With its striking coral reef-inspired paint scheme, this aircraft has been turning heads and sparking curiosity for more than two decades, drawing attention wherever it flies. “Everywhere I go, people assume it’s a marine research plane,” says Fred with a huge smile. “But really, the paint scheme is based on my hobby, spearfishing, and my passion for the Bahamas.” At first glance, the PC-12 resembles an aquarium in flight, decorated with images of reef life, fish, turtles, corals and even a treasure chest. The inspiration comes directly from his private island retreat in the Abacos, where he spends time roughly every three weeks. He uses the plane to fly to his own strip – a perfect landing spot for the PC-12. “Beyond flying, my heart belongs to the sea. I wanted a plane that was as personal and vibrant as my connection to it.”

An Incredible Aircraft This isn’t just any plane – it is Fred’s 70th aircraft. Over the years, he has flown jets and turboprops, often changing aircraft. But when he purchased his PC-12 in Johannesburg in 2002, he knew he had found something special. “I would never ever want a different plane. The PC-12 is by far the most utilitarian aircraft ever made for flights under a thousand miles. Period.”

With more than 3,000 hours on his PC-12, Fred flies it himself, logging about 150 hours per year. The aircraft has taken him all across the Western Hemisphere – from Alaska to Panama, and often deep into the Caribbean. It has also served a greater purpose during times of crisis. After the earthquake in Haiti, he ferried doctors and medical supplies, and following devastating hurricanes in the Bahamas, he made multiple relief flights. “We stacked it to the ceiling with supplies – that’s when you realize how incredibly useful this aircraft really is.”

The PC-12 as Trusted Partner

Beyond its striking appearance and humanitarian missions, the PC-12 is also central to both his business and personal life. As the owner of a thriving furniture enterprise with 14 stores and more than 500 employees, he relies on the aircraft to make the most of his time. “Flying has always been a huge part of my business. It allows me to attend markets, meetings, and still enjoy time at my homes in the mountains and in the Bahamas. I literally use it for everything – both business and private.”

For him, the PC-12 has become more than an aircraft, it is a trusted partner. “This plane is my right arm,” he says. “It has lived a very cool life – and so have I because of it.”

 

First PC-12 PRO Delivery to US Customer

A completely new cockpit, innovative features such as Safety Autoland, and refined comfort make the brand-new PC-12 PRO the most technologically advanced aircraft in its class. Pilatus is ferrying and delivering PC-24 and PC-12 aircraft to the United States, and today marks the first delivery of a PC-12 PRO – the latest evolution of the world’s best-selling single-engine turboprop – to a US-based customer. In short: The Most Advanced Single has landed in the US.

After deliveries to Australian and European customers in October, owners Ravi and Pheroza Arcot received their PC-12 PRO at Pilatus’ North American headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado. This moment marks an important chapter for the PC-12 PRO in the US, one of the most dynamic and demanding aviation markets in the world. Bringing the PC-12 PRO here isn’t just a delivery – it’s a commitment to operators who expect performance, safety, and versatility at the highest level.


Ravi Arcot states: “The PC-12 PRO pairs the incredible reliability and legacy of the Pratt & Whitney PT6 with the cutting-edge capabilities of the G3000 PRIME avionics. This powerful combination was key to my purchase decision. In addition to our charitable flight endeavors, I’m looking forward to many wonderful family adventures with our aircraft.”

The Arcots’ new aircraft, serial number 3005, will be based in the Northeastern US, joining the growing fleet of PC-12s already flying missions across the country.

“At Pilatus, delivering value means building aircraft that stand the test of time. The PC-12 PRO reflects everything our customers have taught us about what matters most: safety, simplicity, and trust. We’ve combined proven performance with cutting-edge avionics and safety features so that every flight delivers what matters most – absolute confidence,” says Thomas Bosshard, President & CEO of the Pilatus subsidiary in the United States.

With over 2,200 PC-12s delivered worldwide, accruing more than eleven million flight hours, the PC-12 PRO continues a legacy of innovation, versatility, and trust. The Swiss-made PC-12 leads the US business aviation industry in flight activity, highlighting its efficiency, popularity, and status as a trusted, widely used aircraft.

About the PC-12 PRO

The PC-12 PRO, first unveiled in March of this year, represents the latest evolution of the best-selling single. At the heart of the PC-12 PRO is the Pilatus Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE), based on the Garmin G3000 PRIME suite, featuring five high-resolution touchscreen displays and a fully integrated Safety Autoland system. Together with the latest version of the esteemed Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 engine and its field-proven Electronic Propeller and Engine Control System (EPECS), the

PC-12 PRO delivers an unmatched combination of efficiency, safety, and technology.

The PT6 engine, with over 60,000 engines in service and more than 400 million flight hours, has a proven safety record. Its reliability has been demonstrated over eleven million flight hours in the PC-12.

PILATUS

German Armed Forces Receives First PC-12

Pilatus has handed over a PC-12 to the Technical and Airworthiness Center for Aircraft and Aeronautical Equipment of the German Armed Forces (WTD 61). This versatile single-engine turboprop will be stationed at the Ingolstadt/Manching air base in Germany, where it will be used for training test pilots and transporting personnel and material.

Cost-effective to operate and flexible in use, the PC-12 will provide the German Armed Forces with a high-performance aircraft which will considerably strengthen the service’s operational readiness. With its reputation as a reliable and thoroughly proven platform in both civilian and military aviation, the PC-12 will now support standardization training for the test pilots of the German Armed Forces, as well as logistical transport operations.

Barbara Reinhold, Director of WTD 61, explains the importance of the new aircraft for the German Armed Forces: “The PC-12 will help us to perform our training and transport tasks efficiently and safely.”

Ioannis Papachristofilou, Vice President Government Aviation at Pilatus, comments: “We are convinced that the outstanding versatility, modern avionics and proven reliability of the PC-12 make it optimally suited to meet the requirements of the German Armed Forces. The PC-12 is set to make a major contribution to the performance of challenging tasks.”

The handover marks the start of a promising partnership between Pilatus and the German Armed Forces, in which the provision of technical and logistical support will provide the foundation for long-term success over the coming years. Pilatus is delighted to be able to add this highly professional operator to its customer portfolio.

Pilatus

Platoon Aviation Receives Tenth PC-24

Platoon Aviation is now a well-established player in the European charter market. This successful company has just taken delivery of its tenth PC-24 Super Versatile Jet.

“We’re proud to further expand our fleet with this tenth PC-24 in response to high demand for flexible charter solutions,” explains Deniz Weissenborn, Managing Director of Platoon Aviation. “Our strategy of offering a PC-24 fleet with executive configuration is paying off. Our customers love the combination of spacious cabin and cargo area as well as the ability to land at small airfields closer to their final destination, significantly reducing the total trip time – something only the PC-24 can deliver.”

André Zimmermann, Vice President Business Aviation at Pilatus, adds: “Platoon Aviation has traced an impressive success story since its foundation in 2021. Their success with the PC-24 shows how well our Super Versatile Jet is tailored to the requirements of the charter market.”

Exclusive solutions for discerning customers

Platoon’s PC-24 fleet offers maximum comfort and flexibility for up to eight passengers – ideal for business and leisure travel. Each aircraft features a distinctive geometric paint scheme which is highly recognizable at European airports.

Platoon operates a “floating fleet” system to ensure maximum efficiency and rapid operational readiness: instead of returning to a fixed base after each mission, the jets remain where they are until a new assignment becomes available. This minimizes positioning flights and ensures more efficient handling of customer requests.

Over 300 PC-24s have been delivered since 2018, making the Pilatus Super Versatile Jet one of the best-selling business jets in its class.

Further information about Platoon Aviation is available at flyplatoon.com