Official Media Release from Pilatus-
Global sales of Pilatus PC-12 NG grow over 20 percent in 2016, outpacing all other turbine-powered business aircraft. At last year’s NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas, Pilatus unveiled the latest update to its popular PC-12 NG single engine turboprop aircraft. New features in the 2016 PC-12 NG increased cruise speed to 285 KTAS, reduced cabin noise levels, offered updated interior design options, and featured more than a dozen drag reduction changes to the airframe, increasing both range and speed. The market responded positively, with the company on track to deliver 90 new PC-12 NG aircraft in 2016 – an over 20 percent increase over 2015 sales. This sales level will earn the PC-12 NG the honor of being the top-selling model of turbine-powered business aircraft in the world for the year. Even as the overall market contracts, the growth of Pilatus Customer Support – No 1 for 15 years in a row Another highlight for the year was Pilatus’ customer service being rated number 1 for the 15th consecutive year by owners and operators in an annual survey conducted by Professional Pilot magazine. Soon to enter the business jet market with the PC-24 in 2017, Pilatus plans to raise the bar even higher with new customer support programs that will also be offered to PC-12 customers. Ignaz Gretener, Vice President of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd’s General Aviation business unit commented: “The entire Pilatus team, from engineering to manufacturing to sales and service worked hard this year to achieve these successes in a very challenging market. We continue to believe that the simple formula of a great aircraft combined with outstanding service is how we create value for our customers. We are grateful to our customers for continuing to partner with us in this journey.” Pilatus expects to deliver the 1,500th PC-12 in mid-2017, and the worldwide fleet of PC-12 aircraft will also surpass the 6 million hour milestone about the same time. With regards to safety, the most recent business aircraft accident data compiled by Robert E. Breiling Associates, Inc. indicates that the PC-12’s safety record continues to be outstanding and on par with twin engine business jets. This is due to its basic design, the stellar reliability of its Pratt & Whitney PT6 engine, the professional training provided by SIMCOM, and an active operator group which places safety as their top priority. CLICK TO READ THE FULL RELEASE Visit www.pilatus-aircraft.com for more information. |