Business Aircraft Power Unprecedented Growth
Pilatus achieved record sales and deliveries in 2024, propelled by surging demand for its business jets, the PC-12 and PC-24, which together drove the company’s strongest-ever financial performance
Swiss Manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft AG celebrated a truly remarkable 2024, posting record deliveries, soaring sales, and a robust order book, all despite ongoing global supply chain challenges. At the heart of this success was the unwavering demand for the company’s business aircraft, with the PC-12 single-engine turboprop and the PC-24 “Super Versatile Jet” leading the charge.
Pilatus delivered 153 aircraft in 2024, marking one of the best years in the company’s storied history. This figure included 96 PC-12 NGXs, 51 PC-24s, and 6 PC-21s, showcasing strong demand across both business and government aviation segments. Total sales reached 1.633 billion Swiss francs (about $1.8 billion), representing a more than 10 per cent increase over 2023, while the order book swelled to 2.193 billion Swiss francs ($2.4 billion), underscoring the company’s healthy future prospects.
Demand for their PC-12 and PC-24 remains high. PC-12 was the most flown business aircraft in the USA over the period of a year. The new PC-24 Super Versatile Jet with greater range and payload capacity, plus the option of a divan and a new entertainment system, was successfully launched on the market. The PC-21 Next Generation Trainer aircraft also continues to impress: last November, Pilatus contracted to deliver 19 PC-21 aircraft for the renowned Royal Canadian Air Force. In February of this year, Pilatus secured the Netherlands as the launch customer for their brand- new PC-7 MKX. The Koninklijke Luchtmacht is the first customer to opt for the PC-7 MKX. The new training system will provide them with a cost-effective, state-of-the-art solution for basic training.
Interest in Pilatus aircraft continues to grow across Asia, including key markets such as Southeast Asia, Japan, and India. In March, the first-ever PC-24 was delivered to India, followed by two additional units later in the year. This development, in what remains a promising yet complex market, did not go unnoticed and contributed positively to regional demand. Pilatus also showcased the PC-24 in the Philippines in May, leading to the first delivery in that country by November, an ideal setting for the Super Versatile Jet.
BUSINESS AIRCRAFT: THE GROWTH ENGINE
The company’s operating profit (EBIT) stood at 243 million Swiss francs, a testament to Pilatus’s ability to maintain profitability despite supply chain disruptions and rising costs. Segmentwise, business aviation accounted for nearly 77 per cent of total sales, with government aviation making up the remaining 23 per cent. This distribution highlights the pivotal role of business aircraft in Pilatus’s financial success. Of the 153 aircraft delivered, 96 were PC-12 NGXs, Pilatus’s flagship turboprop singles and 51 were PC-24s, the so-called “Super Versatile Jets”.
Pilatus PC-12: The Ultimate Single-Engine Turboprop
The PC-12 NGX continued its reign as one of the most versatile and reliable business aircraft on the market. In 2024, it was recognised as the most flown business aircraft in the United States, a distinction that speaks to its popularity among operators for a wide range of missions, from executive transport to air ambulance, cargo, and special operations. Pilatus delivered 96 PC-12 NGXs, solidifying its position as the backbone of the company’s business aviation portfolio.
DEMAND FOR THEIR PC-12 AND PC-24 REMAINS HIGH. PC-12 WAS THE MOST FLOWN BUSINESS AIRCRAFT IN THE USA OVER THE PERIOD OF A YEAR
The Pilatus PC-12 remains the world’s most popular single-engine turboprop, celebrated for its unmatched versatility, reliability, and comfort. The latest iteration, the PC-12 NGX, is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6E-67XP engine delivering 1,200 shaft horsepower, enabling a maximum cruise speed of 290 knots (333 mph) and a range of up to 1,803 nautical miles. Its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities allow operation from runways as short as 2,485 feet, including unpaved surfaces, making it ideal for remote and challenging environments. The aircraft can be configured for a variety of missions, from executive transport and air ambulance to cargo and special operations, with a spacious cabin that can seat up to 10 passengers in commuter layout or up to nine in executive comfort.
The cabin features larger windows inspired by the PC-24, a quieter environment, and executive-style seating, all designed to enhance passenger comfort on long flights. The Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE), based on the Honeywell Primus Apex system, offers digital autothrottle, synthetic vision, and a touchscreen interface, reducing pilot workload and increasing safety. With a maximum payload of 2,236 pounds, the PC-12 NGX is highly adaptable, supporting both passenger and cargo configurations. Pilatus’s commitment to innovation is evident in the PC-12’s extended maintenance intervals and robust safety record, solidifying its reputation as the benchmark for singleengine turboprop performance and utility.
PC-24: The Super Versatile Jet
The PC-24, recently enhanced with increased payload and range, enjoyed a highly successful market launch in 2024. Pilatus delivered 51 PC-24s, capitalising on the aircraft’s unique ability to operate from short, unpaved runways and its flexible cabin configuration. The PC-24’s versatility has made it a favorite among customers seeking an aircraft that can adapt to diverse mission profiles, whether for corporate travel, medical evacuation, or humanitarian missions.
PILATUS’S RECORD YEAR WAS NOT ONLY ABOUT SALES AND DELIVERIES—IT ALSO MARKED A RENEWED COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
The Pilatus PC-24, often called the world’s first “Super Versatile Jet,” is designed to combine the flexibility of a turboprop with the speed and comfort of a jet. It is engineered to operate from short, unpaved runways, a rare capability among business jets, making it accessible to a wider range of airports and destinations. The PC-24 is powered by two Williams FJ44-4A turbofan engines, each producing 3,420 pounds of thrust, enabling a maximum cruise speed of 425 knots (489 mph) and a range of up to 2,000 nautical miles.
The PC-24’s spacious cabin accommodates up to 11 passengers in a standard configuration, with a flat floor and large cargo door for easy loading of bulky items. The jet’s flexible interior can be quickly reconfigured for executive travel, medical evacuation, or cargo transport, ensuring adaptability for a wide variety of missions. Advanced avionics, including the Honeywell Primus Epic system, provide intuitive control and enhanced situational awareness for pilots. The PC-24 also features a pressurised cabin, allowing for comfortable flights at high altitudes, and is certified for steep-approach landings at challenging airports. With its rugged construction, exceptional short-field performance, and multi-mission capability, the PC-24 sets a new standard for versatility in business aviation.
Together, the PC-12 and PC-24 accounted for the vast majority of Pilatus’s deliveries and sales, driving the company’s record-breaking year. Business aircraft continued to be the primary growth driver. The deals underscored Pilatus’s reputation for building rugged, reliable aircraft tailored to the rigorous demands of Business aircraft operators.
PILATUS – KEY FACTS
 | Total Sales 1.633 Billion | +10.5% | ||||
 | EBIT 243 Million | +1.3% | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Orders Received 2.193 Billion | +44.9% | ||||
 | Order Book Value 2.917 Billion | +25.5% | ||||
 | Total 153 Aircraft |
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 | Full-Time Equivalents 3326 Employees |
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REGIONAL SALES AND MARKET EXPANSION
Pilatus’s growth was broad-based, with strong sales across all major regions. The Americas accounted for 46 per cent of total sales, followed by Europe (29.6 per cent), Asia (14 per cent), Australia (8.4 per cent), and Africa (2 per cent). The company’s expanding presence in the United States was highlighted by the acquisition of Aero Center Epps in Atlanta and plans for a new sales and service center in Bradenton, Florida, further strengthening its position on the US East Coast. In Asia, Pilatus delivered PC-24s to India and the Philippines, reflecting growing demand in emerging markets.
INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
Pilatus’s record year was not only about sales and deliveries—it also marked a renewed commitment to innovation and sustainability. The company established a new Corporate Sustainability department to develop its Sustainability Strategy 2.0, with a focus on reducing its environmental footprint. Pilatus is investing in new technologies, including a partnership with Synhelion, an ETH spinoff developing CO2-neutral jet fuel. These initiatives position Pilatus at the forefront of sustainable aviation.
ADDRESSING CHALLENGES AND INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
Despite its success, Pilatus continued to face supply chain bottlenecks and quality issues with certain suppliers. In response, the company is increasing vertical integration, including investments in a new facility in Seville, Spain, and the acquisition of Ruag Aerostructure Switzerland. These moves are designed to secure critical components and streamline production.
INTEREST IN PILATUS AIRCRAFT CONTINUES TO GROW ACROSS ASIA, INCLUDING KEY MARKETS SUCH AS SOUTHEAST ASIA, JAPAN, AND INDIA. IN MARCH, THE FIRSTEVER PC-24 WAS DELIVERED TO INDIA, FOLLOWED BY TWO ADDITIONAL UNITS LATER IN THE YEAR.
Pilatus also expanded its workforce, increasing full-time equivalent positions by 16.8 per cent to 3,326, reflecting its commitment to meeting rising demand and ensuring high-quality service for customers.
Pilatus enters 2025 with a strong order book and a clear focus on business aviation as its core growth driver. Their CHF 2.193 billion backlog indicates robust future demand. The company’s ability to innovate, adapt to market demands, and invest in sustainability and infrastructure positions it well for continued success in a competitive global market. Pilatus Aircraft’s 2024 was defined by record-breaking deliveries, robust financial results, and a clear emphasis on business aircraft as the engine of growth. With the PC-12 and PC-24 leading the way, Pilatus has cemented its reputation as a manufacturer of versatile, reliable, and innovative aircraft. As the company looks to the future, its investments in sustainability, technology, and global expansion promise to keep Pilatus at the forefront of the aviation industry. While reinforcing its supply chain, expanding global footprints, and embracing sustainability, Pilatus has forged a blueprint for steady growth in aerospace. As long as the demand for versatile, reliable business aircraft continues, Pilatus appears ready for takeoff, once again.
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