Pilatus saw slight business aviation growth in record year
Pilatus Aircraft noted a slight increase in business aircraft production in 2014, delivering 66 PC-12 NG single-engine turboprop aircraft globally, with 50 received by US customers.
The company built and delivered a total of 127 aircraft during the year under review, which was 15 more than in 2013.
Pilatus also announced that the Pilatus PC-24 – Pilatus’ first ever private jet – programme is progressing well, with the production expected to begin in 2016. The company is currently undertaking preliminary work on a new production and assembly hangar.
Following the roll-out in August 2014, the first PC-24 prototype is due to make its maiden flight in May 2015 with customer deliveries starting in 2017.
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Pilatus enjoyed its most successful year ever in 2014, with sales revenues of $1,215 billion representing a 16 per cent increase from 2013.
Oscar J. Schwenk, chairman of Pilatus Aircraft, said: “I’m proud that we achieved a further increase in operating income in 2014, generating yet another record result – in Swiss francs, too, one of the world’s strongest currencies. That is an achievement in itself, and certainly not something to be taken for granted.
“As a company, we believe in Switzerland as a place of vision and action, and are firmly committed to further growth here,” he added. “The Pilatus workforce has grown by 116 full-time jobs to reach a total of 1725 at the head office in Stans – the equivalent of seven per cent more Swiss jobs in one year!”