Pilatus Aircraft Delivers 100th PC-24 Jet

European fractional-share provider Jetfly Aviation has taken delivery of the 100th Pilatus PC-24 light jet produced since the first PC-24 entered service in February 2018. Jetfly operates a fleet of 51 PC-12 turboprops and PC-24s. So far, the worldwide PC-24 fleet has logged more than 33,500 hours.

Powered by two Williams International FJ44-4A turbofans, the PC-24 can seat up to 10 passengers in a flat-floor cabin with volume of 501 cu ft. Current models are equipped with a “modular in-flight catering facility” or forward galley. An enclosed lavatory with an externally serviced vacuum-operated toilet is also standard. A unique PC-24 feature is the large rear cargo door, measuring 51 by 49 inches; the baggage area is accessible in flight. Avionics are Honeywell’s Epic system, branded as the Pilatus Advanced Cockpit Environment and featuring four 12-inch displays and cursor-control device interfaces.

Operators can fly to many airports, as the PC-24 is approved to fly to smaller airports and on grass, gravel, and snow surfaces. Australia’s Royal Flying Doctor Service is a longtime PC-12 operator that also flies a fleet of PC-24s.

“All our customers without exception have been impressed by the quality of the PC-24 and the incredible performance of this aircraft,” said Jetfly CEO Cédric Lescop. “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 program, which is well on the way to becoming another market bestseller, just like the PC-12.”

“We hit the bullseye with the PC-24,” said Pilatus chairman Oscar Schwenk. “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 optimizations.”