Pilatus Marks 75th Anniversary With PC-24 Unveiling

On its 75th anniversary, Pilatus unveiled the first ever PC-24 prototype also known as the world’s first “Super Versatile Jet”.

The rollout was preceded by a fly-by of all the aircraft which have ever reached series production in the company's 75 year history, according to an official statement.

The 100% newly developed PC-24 is the first time that traditional Pilatus values such as versatility, efficiency and Swiss precision have been combined in a jet. The PC-24 is the world's first ever business jet to come equipped as standard with a cargo door, with the kind of performance specification that allows it to operate in and out of very short runways or even unmade strips.

Oscar J. Schwenk, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pilatus, said, "This celebration is a clear sign of our commitment to Switzerland as a centre of vision and action. Our company was established here in Stans exactly 75 years ago. We have seen our activities grow and expand here in Stans, and this is where we want to be in the future: in Stans, producing our aircraft for sale to customers around the world”.

Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer, who attended the event, paid tribute to the success of Pilatus in his speech, remarking on the new Swiss business jet with great pride. He also announced that the members of the Federal Council have voted to buy a PC-24 – a further sign of the confidence placed in the new Pilatus-produced jet.

A total of three prototypes will be produced for the PC-24 test flight programme. The maiden flight of the first prototype, which was presented at the rollout, will go ahead in spring 2015. Final certification and start of deliveries to customers are planned from 2017.

Pilatus sold 84 PC-24s at the European Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (EBACE) in May this year.