Life Flight Goes Pro with Order for a Dozen PC-12s

Aeromedical operator Life Flight Network inked an order for a dozen Pilatus PC-12 Pro turboprop singles on Tuesday at Verticon 2026. The 10-year deal, worth about $82 million at list prices, also makes the Aurora, Oregon company the U.S. launch customer for the airplane with an aeromedical interior. Deliveries to Life Flight are set to begin next year.

Under the agreement, the aircraft will be outfitted for ICU-level care and transport at Pilatus Aircraft USA’s facility in Broomfield, Colorado. Life Flight already has 16 aeromedical-configured PC-12s in its fleet, in addition to about 40 aeromedical helicopters. The firm order will be for replacement aircraft, but the company holds options for additional PC-12 Pros to support fleet growth.

Founded nearly 50 years ago, Life Flight is known for clinical excellence, operational reliability, and rapid response across diverse and often remote terrain. Its service region spans the Pacific Northwest, the Intermountain West, and Hawaii.

“The PC-12 Pro provides the performance, reliability, and advanced safety technology necessary to serve our communities,” said Life Flight CEO Ben Clayton. “We are committed to investing in aircraft that enhance patient care, support our crews, and uphold the highest standards of safety.”

Launched last March, the PC-12 Pro features Garmin G3000 Prime avionics with five touchscreens and autothrottle. It also has a 100-pound payload increase from its PC-12 NGX predecessor. Deliveries of the new model began late last year.