Pilatus Performs Well Despite Tough Market

In spite of the general financial and economic crisis, 2009 was another year of new records for Pilatus Aircraft Ltd: the highest ever operating income (CHF 78 million), a record number of PC-12 NG deliveries (100) and the biggest single order in its entire history with the PC-21 assignment from the United Arab Emirates.

The United Arab Emirates decided to go with Pilatus again in mid-November of last year. As an existing customer with a fleet of 31 Pilatus PC-7s, the UAE have now opted for the PC-21 training system. The total order for 25 aircraft is worth over CHF 500 million.

A further contract was also concluded with the Finnish Air Force for six PC-12 NGs to be deployed as liaison aircraft. This is the first ever order from a European air force for an entire fleet of this type of aircraft.

The global financial and economic crisis impacted on sales of business aircraft, resulting in cancellations and a slowdown in the order flow. Good planning and a full order book ensured Pilatus delivered a record number of PC-12 NGs (100) notwithstanding, including the 900th PC-12 to an existing customer in the USA.

In 2009, readers of “Professional Pilot Magazine” and “Aviation International News” voted Pilatus Customer Service the best in its category for the eighth and sixth times consecutively.

The Pilatus Maintenance Business Unit remained very busy throughout the year under review, essentially in connection with the conversion of the PC-7 fleet operated by the Swiss Air Force. These aircraft were fitted with a new cockpit. Buoyant demand for component and maintenance work also contributed to good capacity utilization. Maintenance is also responsible for production of the PC-6: five such aircraft were delivered in 2009. The legendary Pilatus Porter celebrated its 50th birthday during the year under review – and was brought right up to date with a state-of-the-art Garmin glass cockpit.

Around the world in 60 days with a PC-12

Here’s a video slide show by photographer Tom Sólo about his round-the-world trip aboard a Pilatus PC-12. Some European entrepreneurs decided to take a Pilatus PC-12 around the world and have some fun on the way. Check out the photographs of this 60 day unique round-the-world trip. Spain, Egypt, Dubai, Maldives, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Caledonia, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Easter Island, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Cape Verde, Morocco, Spain.

Seaport Begins Operations in Salina

SeaPort began operations in Salina, Kansas, offering three nonstop flights to Kansas City Sunday through Friday. Three flights is a “starting place,” McKinney said. A fourth flight to Kansas City is a goal, along with flights someday to Denver in the company’s Pilatus PC-12. SeaPort replaces the 19-seat planes flown by Great Lakes Airlines as the scheduled air carrier for Salina, using a federal Essential Air Service subsidy. The smaller planes are right-sized for Salina, he said, going from two to three flights a day to “give people more choice, more opportunity to get where they need to go.”