Pilatus Aircraft Ltd has been awarded a contract by the Air Force Command Finland for the delivery of 6 PC-12 NG aircraft to the Finnish Air Force to replace their existing Liaison Aircraft.

The procurement contract, worth € 22.5 million, was agreed and signed at a ceremony in Tikkakoski on Friday attended by the Commander of the Finnish Air Force, Major General Jarmo Lindberg and Jim Roche, Vice President in charge of Government Aviation at Pilatus. Delivery of the 6 PC-12 NG Liaison Aircraft will be made during the final quarter of 2010.

Following more than 12 months of assessment and an extensive flight evaluation phase in Stans, Switzerland and Iqaluit, Canada, Pilatus was able to prevail against international competition and succeeded in securing this very important contract with its PC-12 NG aircraft.

Commenting on the contract award, Pilatus Chairman and CEO, Oscar J. Schwenk, stated: “We are extremely happy to have been awarded this important contract. This decision is further proof of the versatility of the PC-12 NG, which can fulfil the needs of military operators due to its proven multi-role capabilities. We believe this will encourage other Air Forces in Europe and around the globe to look closer at the performance and capabilities of this unique platform.

With ever shrinking military budgets, the durability, efficiency and the life cycle cost of the PC-12 NG are key parameters for today’s decision makers. With more than 860 PC-12 aircraft operating every day – on all five continents – in some of the toughest environmental conditions possible, the PC-12 is fast becoming a legend in its own lifetime. Once again we are proud to have been selected and we welcome the Finnish Air Force in to the ‘Pilatus
Family’”.

The decision by the Finnish Air Force to purchase the Pilatus PC-12 is a significant benchmark for Pilatus as it marks the first fleet sale of the PC-12 to a European Air Force. The Finnish Air Force joins 32 other Air Forces around the world operating Pilatus aircraft.

The PC-12 NG aircraft with its outstanding versatility, performance and operational flexibility will be used in a Multi Purpose Liaison Aircraft role to transport Finnish air force personnel and cargo and will ultimately replace the Piper PA-31-350 Chieftain aircraft which has been in service with the Finnish Air Force since 1983.

Source: Pilatus