Pilatus Aircraft Reflects on Turbulent 2025 amid U.S. Expansion

Pilatus Aircraft is reflecting on what it terms an “uncommonly challenging fiscal year,” describing how “significant external pressures” have continued to impact operations through 2025. Nevertheless, despite a weaker set of year-end results than anticipated, the Swiss manufacturer considers this “a solid performance” amid tumultuous tariff pressures.

Pilatus’ revenues totaled CHF$1.67 billion ($2.13 billion) last year, marginally up from CHF$1.63 billion in 2024. However, growth expectations were curtailed by factors including highly volatile U.S. trade tariffs, a sharp fall in the U.S. dollar exchange rate, and continued disruption in the supply chain.

147 aircraft were delivered in the year, including 82 PC-12s and 50 PC-24s. This total was slightly down from the 153 and 148 delivered in 2024 and 2023, respectively, something the airframer attributes to “significant external pressures such as delivery stoppages and delays.” Total employees were up from 3,326 in 2024 to 3,678 in 2025, despite Pilatus acknowledging difficulties in recruiting suitably qualified staff—something it is now addressing through “targeted measures.”

However, Pilatus notes continuing “high demand” for both aircraft models, with CEO Markus Bucher stating, “The continuing high volume of orders in hand…reassures us for the coming years.” The March 2025 launch of the Pilatus PC-12 Pro was followed by an order for 13 units by Australia’s Royal Flying Doctor Service. The first aircraft, also to an Australian customer, was delivered in September.

In particular, Pilatus says this “healthy order situation and good liquidity” helped it weather the storm of U.S. tariffs, which rose to 10% and a subsequent 39% in August. Pilatus temporarily paused deliveries of PC-12s and PC-24s to the U.S., saying that the yet higher tariff put it “at a significant competitive disadvantage.” These were resumed in November.

Although the Americas accounted for just under half of all yearly sales, Europe made up almost 30%, and Asia 14%. “The USA remains a key market for Pilatus, although we also see great potential in Europe and Asia, where we will continue to expand our presence,” explained the manufacturer. The creation of Pilatus USA in late 2025 preceded this January’s groundbreaking on a new sales, service, and PC-12 assembly center in Florida.