100th PC-24 Delivered Since 2018 – the Pilatus Super Versatile Jet Takes Off
Less than three years after the first delivery, the 100th PC-24 has just been handed over to its new owner. The PC-24 is now present on every continent, flying innumerable missions every day: providing medevac flights in Australia and the USA, for example, business travel for a German automobile manufacturer, and transport for government officials in South Africa and Switzerland.
The 100th Super Versatile Jet “made by Pilatus in Switzerland” is now in use as a business aircraft with its new owner, Jetfly Aviation, the Stans-based airframe maker said Jan 5. The handover marks another milestone in the still young history of the first Swiss business jet: the global fleet has clocked up over 33,500 safe hours in the air so far, of which over 2,375 hours have been accumulated by the fleet leader.
The PC-24’s exceptionally generous interior comfortably offers sufficient space for up to ten passengers. In relation to cabin size, the PC-24 has earned its place in the “mid-size jets” category: customers who opt for a PC-24 actually end up with the same cabin size as in a model of the next higher price category. Having a large (14.2 cubic metres) cabin volume and flat floor throughout, the PC-24 lands on short runways – and even rough field runways providing the possibility of special missions capability.
The PC-24 provides access to almost twice as many aerodromes around the world as other jets currently on the market. It takes passengers closer to their actual destination because the PC-24 is designed for use at small airports with shorter runways. By way of example, the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia flies missions on remote strips in the Australian Outback, daily proof that the PC-24 is perfectly suited for these assignments. Whether on grass, gravel, snow or asphalt – the PC-24 can land (almost) anywhere. The Super Versatile Jet also scores extra points for its modern, fuel-efficient Williams engines and smart Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE).
Jetfly has operated Pilatus aircraft for over 20 years. With the handover of this 100th PC 24, Jetfly now runs a Pilatus fleet of 51 aircraft – the largest in Europe. Cédric Lescop, CEO of Jetfly Aviation, on the occasion of the handover ceremony said: “We are excited and proud to take delivery of the 100th PC-24 manufactured at the factory in Stans. The Jetfly group already operate nine Pilatus PC-24s.
Commentting on the milestone, Oscar J. Schwenk, Chairman of Pilatus said: “We hit the bullseye with the PC-24: I’m very encouraged by such high demand. We’re already sold out for 2021, but the order book is open for deliveries from 2022 onward. Investment in the PC-24 helps us to secure jobs at our Swiss site on a long-term basis. We are also working on further optimisations. In short, we will spare no effort to ensure that the PC-24 stays the undisputed leader in its class – exactly as the PC-12 is now.”Pilatus is currently taking orders for deliveries from around early 2022. –shp/adj/mgm (Photo: Pilatus)