A good year for the Pilatus PC-21
February 20, 2025
On 19 February 2025, Pilatus published its annual report for 2024. It said that the company had enjoyed an “exceptionally successful year – despite some challenges.” Total sales grew grew impressively to CHF 1.633 billion (Swiss francs), an improvement of more than 10%. Operating income remained at the same high level as the previous year: 243 million Swiss francs.
The company delivered 153 aircraft, including 96 PC-12 NGXs (including two leased aircraft), 51 PC-24s and six PC-21s. More importantly, a significant growth in the company’s order book “points to promising times ahead.”
Defence (coyly termed Government Aviation by Pilatus) has an even better outlook, with a highlight of the year coming in November, when the Royal Canadian Air Force opted to train its future pilots on the PC-21 Next Generation Trainer, signing a contract for the delivery of 19 PC-21s and associated simulators.
Pilatus made a start on the final assembly of the first PC-21s of a second batch destined for the Spanish Air Force at the end of June. When delivery of this second batch is complete, the Spanish Air Force will own 40 PC-21s, making it Europe’s largest operator of the type.
On the other side of world, Pilatus Training Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, the company’s Australian subsidiary in Sale, moved into its sustainable new headquarters in the Autumn. These new premises will help Pilatus to provide better support to the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force – both of whom operate their PC-21s in Australia. Last year, the Royal Australian Air Force safely passed the milestone of 100,000 flying hours.
The report also noted that a PC-12 was handed over to the Royal Thai Army in June, and that, in October, Pilatus was chosen to deliver a PC-12 NGX to the German Armed Forces. This aircraft will be used to train test pilots and for the transportation of personnel and material.
