Pilatus Aircraft Ltd is pleased to announce a major milestone with the hand-over of the first PC-12 NG Multi-Purpose Liaison Aircraft to the Finnish Air Force.

The first of six PC-12 NG Multi-Purpose Liaison Aircraft ordered by the Finnish Air Force was handed over during a commemorative ceremony at the company’s headquarters in Stans, Switzerland on the 1st July 2010.

The procurement contract for six aircraft, worth € 22.5 million, was signed in April 2009. Type conversion training of the first tranche of Finnish Air Force pilots and maintenance personnel was conducted at the Pilatus factory in Stans during the second quarter of 2010. The delivery of the first PC-12 NG Multi- Purpose Liaison Aircraft to Finland will take place later this month, three months ahead of the original contract schedule, and delivery of the remaining aircraft will be completed by August 2010.

The decision by the Finnish Air Force to purchase the Pilatus PC-12 NG 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: Pilates