Story ID: 427
Pilatus' Upgraded PC-24 Arrives at EBACE 2024
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: The upgraded PC-24 began delivery earlier this year
Word Count: 255
Pilatus Aircraft is marking the EBACE debut of its recently upgraded PC-24. Unveiled just before NBAA-BACE in October, the upgrades include a 600-pound increase in payload, boosting range to 2,040-nm range, and a new side-facing divan that can convert into a bed.
Payload was increased with refinements in the wing and fuselage structural elements, which reduced empty weight and increased the maximum gross takeoff weight limit. Weight was reduced by 300 kilograms (660 pounds), “which means a lot more range,” said Ursula Widmer, marketing manager at the Swiss airframer. In addition, storage space was optimized.
The changes, she added, open more options for operators, reaching further distances and also more easily accommodated six people with luggage. This is attracting interest from a range of customers, including the charter market.
Pilatus began delivery of the upgraded model earlier this year and showcased it in April at the Aero Friedrichshafen general aviation show in Germany.
Most of the upgrades have been certified, said Widmer. The divan is approved for two places, but work for three is still ongoing, she said. Widmer added that the divan option has proven popular, exceeding the company’s expectations.
Along with the PC-24 twinjet, Pilatus brought its PC-12NGX turboprop single to the EBACE static display. “Both are doing really well,” Widmer said, noting that the backlog has grown for each model. “If you want to order an aircraft now, it takes around about two years until we can give you one.”