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. This 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.
195 cubic feet (14.2 cubic metres) of cabin volume with flat floor throughout
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.
The PC-24 offers passengers individually adjustable seats, a washroom with toilet, a baggage area which remains accessible in flight and a wardrobe. It also boasts a large cargo door with a system for securing luggage – a unique feature in this aircraft category, and one that is much appreciated by the pilots tasked with stowing passenger baggage.
From now on, the PC-24 is also available with a modular inflight catering facility. The forward galley is located in the front section of the cabin and offers additional stowage room for coffee, ice, beverages and catering items.
The Super Versatile Jet also scores extra points for its modern, fuel-efficient Williams engines and smart Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE).
Short runways – and even rough field runways
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 – a great way to avoid the usual administrative complexities at larger airports and keep transfers on the ground to an absolute minimum.
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.
Handover of the 100TH PC-24
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, said on the occasion of the ceremony: “We are excited and proud to take delivery of the 100TH PC-24 manufactured at the factory in Stans. The Jetfly group already operates nine Pilatus PC-24’s on behalf of more than 50 European owners and co-owners. All our customers without exception have been impressed by the quality of the PC-24 and the incredible performance of this aircraft. After two years of operation, our customers are still enthusiastic about their acquisition, which is a sign to us of the success of this new aircraft programme which is well on the way to becoming another market bestseller, just like the PC-12.”
Oscar J. Schwenk, Chairman of Pilatus, commented on the milestone as follows: “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.”
