Heritage

2025-2020

2025

The Royal Netherlands Air Force (Koninklijke Luchtmacht) is the first customer to adopt the PC-7 MKX and, with the new training system, will receive an integrated, cost-effective, and at the same time state-of-the-art solution for the basic training of its military pilots. The corresponding contract has been signed, with delivery scheduled for the first half of 2027.

2025

At the upcoming Annual General Meeting in spring, Bruno Cervia, long-standing Head of Development at Pilatus, will be proposed for election as a new member of the Board of Directors. His current operational role as VP Engineering will be assumed by Igor Medici as of 1 January 2026. These two appointments underscore Pilatus’ objective to strengthen the organisation both strategically and operationally, and to position it for the future.

2025

The French procurement agency Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) has selected the PC-7 MKX as the new training system for the French Air and Space Force. The fleet of 22 PC-7 MKX aircraft will be used for the basic military training of pilots, with deliveries scheduled for 2027.

2025

A completely new cockpit, innovative safety features such as “Autoland,” “Smart Glide,” and “Electronic Stability,” as well as new interior and color scheme designs. These enhancements make the brand-new PC-12 PRO the most technologically advanced, highest-performing, and most reliable aircraft in its class. Or, put simply: The Most Advanced Single.

2024

Pilatus and Synhelion are entering into a strategic partnership with the aim of accelerating the scaling of solar fuels for aviation. Pilatus intends to use Synhelion’s solar fuels for its own flight operations and, in the medium term, also offer them to its customers. To this end, Pilatus has become a shareholder in Synhelion, thereby underscoring its commitment to actively defossilise aviation.

2024

Pilatus is planning an additional site in the United States in Bradenton, Florida. The new facility is intended to support sales, maintenance activities, spare parts distribution, and aircraft deliveries. The additional location will have no impact on existing jobs at the headquarters in Stans.

2024

Swiss engineering excellence and an outstanding team effort have made it possible: the new PC-24 features increased range and higher payload capacity. In addition, customers are offered a range of new interior options.

2024

Starting in the second quarter of 2024, Pilatus will gradually take over all approximately 230 employees as well as the machinery of RUAG Aerostructures Schweiz AG. The acquisition is being carried out within the framework of the strategic objectives set by the Swiss Federal Council for RUAG International. In the future, Pilatus will manufacture its own components at the Emmen site.

2025

The global fleet of nearly 250 PC-21 training aircraft has reached a historic milestone, accumulating a total of more than 500,000 safe flight hours. Experience with the existing PC-21 customer base shows that it is possible to reduce the cost of training future pilots by more than 50 percent using Pilatus’ state-of-the-art training system.

July 2023

In July, former long-time CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Oscar J. Schwenk, dies unexpectedly. He assumed responsibility for Pilatus in the 1990s – in times of crisis – and in the decades that followed transformed and built up the company into one of the most successful Swiss industrial enterprises. He was an outstanding, down-to-earth entrepreneur and an incredibly talented visionary. We have him and his team to thank for the PC-7 MkII, the PC-12, the PC-21 and the PC-24. They all bear his signature and will continue to draw his spirit in the sky, day after day. His values will live on in the company and the workforce will carry on his legacy, true to his motto: once Pilatus, always Pilatus!

May 2023

In May, our longstanding U.S. customer PlaneSense takes delivery of the 2000th PC-12 to come off the production line, with over 2000 employees celebrating this milestone together with the customer. During the same period, the worldwide PC-12 fleet achieves ten million hours in the air.

March 2023

In March, the Spanish Air Force acquires a further 16 PC-21s and associated simulators, making Spain the largest PC-21 operator in Europe.

March 2023

In March, the Spanish Air Force acquires a further 16 PC-21s and associated simulators, making Spain the largest PC-21 operator in Europe.

2022

In September 2022, Pilatus acquires Skytech Inc., the American Sales and Service Centre, as part of a pending succession plan. The entire workforce of around 120 employees remains with Pilatus.

2022

US-based Tradewind Aviation, provider of private charter and scheduled flights, signs a purchase agreement for 20 PC-12 NGXs in March 2022. With a newly expanded fleet of 38 aircraft, it is now the largest PC-12 operator worldwide.

July 2022

Given the growing demanding for the PC-24 and the PC-12 NGX, Pilatus decides to invest in a state-of-the-art paintshop at its subsidiary’s site in Broomfield, USA. The facility opens in July 2022.

2021

Delivery of the 100th PC-24 in just under three years. PC-24s are deployed as medevac aircraft, for business travel and cargo transport.

2021

The Spanish Air Force, the Ejército del Aire, takes delivery of the first of 24 PC-21s, thereby integrating the world’s most advanced training system by Pilatus.

2021

The French Air Force, the Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace, acquired 17 PC-21s in 2017 to train its aspiring military pilots on the world’s most advanced training system. The Air Force buys a further nine PC-21s to reinforce its pilot training programme.

2021

Featuring technical innovations and new, state-of-the-art avionics, the launch of the smart PC-7 MKX Basic Trainer offers a first-class basic training platform for future military pilots.

2021

Hansueli Loosli is elected as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting. The AGM also elects a further two members: Martin P. Furrer and Mario Rossi.

July 2020

The first of six medevac PC-24s for Sweden completes its maiden flight from Buochs airfield on 22 July 2020. Thanks to the Super Versatile Jet, the KSA air ambulance service can provide aeromedical care for the entire population.

2021

With the Spanish Air Force, the Ejército del Aire, Pilatus gains the third European air force to opt for the PC-21 Next Generation Trainer. Pilatus will deliver a total of 24 PC-21s to Spain.

2020

Thanks to the PC-24, the North Slope Borough Search & Rescue Department from Alaska can operate in the most northerly region of the USA, even in challenging winter conditions.

2015-2019

2019

The brand-new PC-12 NGX is unveiled at the NBAA-BACE in autumn. The positive customer reactions to this third generation of the world’s best turboprop have exceeded all expectations in the aviation industry.

2019

Delivery of the 1,700th PC-12 in November, by which date the total worldwide PC-12 fleet had notched up seven million hours in the air.

2019

The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) shows how it’s done! In April, a customer’s PC-24 lands on a rough field runway for the first time.

2019

The last of twelve PC-21s is handed over to the Royal Jordanian Air Force in April.

2019

The last of a total of 17 PC-21s is handed over to the French Air Force in March – barely seven months after delivery of the first PC-21 in August 2018.

2019

The Swiss government takes delivery of its PC-24 in February.

June 2018

June sees the PC-24 make its first landing on an unpaved runway in Woodbridge, England.

2018

Following much consultation and collaboration, the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia took delivery of the first PC-24 with medevac interior in November.

October 2018

The PC-12 and PC-24 completion centre opens in Broomfield, Colorado, in October. In the future, all PC-12s and PC-24s for delivery to the USA will be completed in the new proprietary facility.

July 2018

The first of two PC-21s is handed over to Qinetiq in England, operator of the prestigious test pilot training centre, the Empire Test Pilots’ School.

February 2018

The first customer delivery of a PC-24 takes place in February: the Super Versatile Jet goes to PlaneSense, based in the US.

July 2017

Handover of the 1,500th PC-12 to our loyal customer, Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, in June.

2017

Pilatus trains over 120 apprentices for the first time in its history. The addition of two new subjects in the summer means Pilatus now offers instruction in a total of 13 different disciplines. Pilatus wins the National Training Prize in November.

December 2017

Type certification becomes a reality! The PC-24 Super Versatile Jet is certified by EASA and the FAA on 7 December.

August 2017

The new Assembly Hall with a production surface of 10,000 square metres and space for some 200 workplaces is commissioned in August. The solar plant on the roof is connected to the grid at the end of September. It is by far the largest in canton Nidwalden.

March 2017

The third and final PC-24 prototype, representing the series production standard, takes off on its maiden flight on 6 March.

2016

July: maiden flight of the first of 49 PC-21s operated by the Royal Australian Air Force – just seven months after the purchase contract is signed.

2016

Pilatus sees out the year on a successful note with the sale of 21 PC-21s in December: 17 to the French Armée de l’air, two to QinetiQ, the British company which operates the Empire Test Pilots’ School, and a further two to the Royal Jordanian Air Force.

2015

In December, the Royal Australian Air Force signs a major order for the purchase of 49 PC-21 training aircraft. In addition to the PC-21s, the contract includes simulators, training materials and a long-term maintenance package.

2015

The new logistics building – featuring a 24 metre fully automated high-bay storage facility, powerful computer centre and summer canteen – goes into operation.

2015

The 100th PC-21 – also the 1,000th turboprop trainer – emerges from the production hall in February. It will be operated by the Royal Saudi Air Force.

May 2015

First flight of the PC-24 Super Versatile Jet on 11 May. Prototype P01 was airborneafter a takeoff roll of just 580 metres, climbed to 3,627 metres in three minutes and landed back in Buochs 55 minutes later.

2014-2010

2014

Pilatus first opens its PC-24 order book at EBACE in Geneva on 20 May and sells 84 PC-24s in just one and a half days – that is all the PC-24s scheduled to come off the production line during the first three years!

August 2014

The PC-24 rollout celebration goes ahead at Buochs Airport on 1 August. 35,000 visitors from Switzerland and beyond arrive in Stans to party with Pilatus!

2014

The new PC-12 NG demonstrator with special livery by Hans Erni, the renowned Swiss artist, is unveiled on 16 December to mark the company’s 75th anniversary.

2013

On 21 May, Pilatus unveils the PC-24 Super Versatile Jet at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva. The PC-24 is the first business jet worldwide with the ability to use very short runways, paved or unpaved, and a cargo door as standard.

February 2013

The formal handover ceremony of five PC-7 MkIIs to the Botswana Defence Force takes place on 8 February.

July 2012

The third big order in a row arrives on 23 July: 24 PC-21s for the Qatar Emiri Air Force.

May 2012

The Royal Saudi Arabian Air Force signs a contract for the purchase of 55 PC-21s on 25 May.

May 2012

On 24 May, Pilatus concludes a major order with the Indian Air Force for 75 PC-7 MkIIs. The maiden flight takes place just five months later.

January 2012

The last three of a total of 25 PC-21s are officially handed over to the United Arab Emirates on 30 January.

2011

The Botswana Defence Force opts to buy five PC-7 MkII training aircraft. The order also includes training support, spare parts and logistics assistance.

2010

The Swiss Air Force expands its Jet Pilot Training System (JEPAS) and signs an order for a further two Pilatus PC-21 training systems and a simulator. Deliveries go ahead in 2012.

2010

Delivery of the 1,000th PC-12 in July.

2009-2005

2009

The South African Air Force commissions Pilatus to equip its fleet of Pilatus Astra PC-7 MkIIs (35 aircraft) with a new, modern cockpit.

2009

In mid-November the United Arab Emirates Air Force & Air Defense opt for a fleet of 25 Pilatus PC-21 turboprops to meet training needs for their future military pilots. This major order also includes simulators and comprehensive logistics support. Delivery is scheduled for 2011 onwards.

2008

The new timber Assembly Hall is officially opened on 20 September.

2007

On 22 January, an agreement is signed with armasuisse for six PC-21 training aircraft, associated logistics and engineering services, plus mission planning and debriefing systems for the PC-21 Jet Pilot Training System (JEPAS) used by the Swiss Air Force.

2007

First appearance of the PC-12 NG with new avionics in September at the 60th NBAA. The new model proves extremely popular, and sells out – until the end of 2009 – shortly after its launch.

2006

In November, Pilatus is selected to supply the PC-21 Training System to the Republic of Singapore Air Force. Pilatus will supply nineteen PC-21s and a 20-year engineering and logistics support programme.

2006

The Malaysian Ministry of Defence signs a contract for ten further PC-7 MkIIs on 20 February. Deliveries are to take place in 2007.

2005

Successful completion of work to upgrade the cockpits of the 18 PC-7s for the Swiss Air Force, in service for 25 years.

2004-2000

2004

The PC-21 receives type certification in December, opening the way for series production.

2003

The Irish Air Force signs a purchase contract for eight PC-9 Ms on 16 January. The order includes a complete training system, logistics material and spare parts.

2003

Pilatus takes over FFA Aircraft Maintenance AG in Altenrhein as of 1 January. Altenrhein Aviation Ltd is founded.

2003

The Bulgarian Air Force purchases six PC-9 M training aircraft, one PC-12 as a transport and liaison aircraft, plus training systems, logistics material and spare parts. Deliveries take place in 2004.

2002

Rollout of the new PC-21 training aircraft, on 30 April. First flight on 1 July.

2001

The workforce exceeds 1,000 for the first time.

2000

The Royal Malaysian Air Force buys nine PC-7 MkII training aircraft plus training systems, logistics material and spares.

1999-1995

1999

Pilatus celebrates several anniversaries: 60 years of Pilatus, 40 years of the PC-6 and 20 years of the PC-7.

1998

Start of the PC-21 development project in November, aimed at delivering the world’s most modern turboprop trainer ever built.

1997

After 26 years, Pilatus returns to Geneva Airport with the acquisition of Transairco SA – TSA (now RUAG).

1996

The American sales company, Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd, is set up in Broomfield, Colorado, on 1 May.

1995

The US Air Force and US Navy opt for 711 Beech Pilatus PC-9s (JPATS programme) in what is the success story of the year. The deal generates license fees for Pilatus.

1994

The Pilatus Porter PC-6 is equipped with a four-blade propeller.

1993

South Africa places an order for 60 PC-7 MkIIs.

1992

Development of the PC-7 MkII starts on 17 August; first flight of HB-HMR on 28 September after just 42 days.

1991

The first PC-12 prototype (HB-FOA) completes its maiden flight on 31 May.

1990

Delivery of ten PC-9s to the Federal Republic of Germany with specially developed target-tow system.

1989-1980

1989

Working together with the French firm Aerospatiale, Pilatus manufactures the cockpit structure and doors of the Super Puma heavy-lift helicopter.

1988

The 250th Hawker Hunter Mk 58 to be overhauled by Pilatus leaves the servicing hall.

1987

Start of development work on the single-engine Pilatus PC-12.

1985

The Australian government orders 63 PC-9s, manufactured under license.

1984

First flight of PC-9 (HB-HPA) on 7 May.

1982

The PC-7 Turbo Trainer is redesigned as the Pilatus PC-9: new fuselage, enhanced engine performance, improved aerodynamics, ejection seats and contemporary cockpit design with mainly digital instruments.

1981

Swiss Air Force orders 40 PC-7 Turbo Trainers in mid-May.

1980

Order from British Aerospace for the construction and manufacture of undercarriage covers for the Airbus A310.

1970-1979

1979

Delivery of the first three series production PC-7 Turbo Trainers.

1978

Rights to manufacture the B-4/PC-11 sold to the Japanese company NIPPI. Pilatus produced a total of 322 units in Stans.

1977

Installation of a test workshop.

1976

Start of series production of the PC-7.

1974

Manufacture of the two-seat ZISCH 74 boat with a 265 hp 4-disc rotary-cylinder engine on behalf of Dr. Wankel. Successful trial run on Lake Lucerne in the summer of 1975. Experiment was not pursued further. Master Porter PD-01 project is presented to the public in Munich, Germany, but abandoned shortly afterwards. Construction of a second prototype known for the first time as a Pilatus PC-7, a conversion of a P-3.05, for flight trials and presentation. Complete redesign of the serial model.

1973

The 1,000th Venom to be overhauled by Pilatus leaves the servicing hall.

1972

First flight of series model B-4/PC-11 glider (HB-1101) on 5 May.

1971

Through to 1973: production of 12 air inlet fairings for the French Dassault “Mercure” aircraft, on behalf of the Eidgenössische Flugzeugwerke in Emmen.

1970

Project for a PC-10, a twin-engine transporter with rear hatch door and space for 16 passengers, driven by two piston engines of 500 hp each or equivalent propeller turbines. The aircraft was never produced.

1960-1969

1969

Pilatus closes its maintenance base for Swissair DC-3 aircraft.

1968

On 15 November the Pilatus Porter PC-6 fitted with an Astazou XIV turbine flies to a height of 13,485 m – a world record for aircraft in this weight category!

1967

First flight of the Twin Porter PC-8D (HB-KOA) on 15 November. Construction of the commercial administration building.

1966

A P-3 is modified by fitting a gas turbine engine (Pratt & Whitney PT6A-20, 550 SHP) and is renamed the P-3 B. First flight on 7 April.

1962

First export of training aircraft: six P-3s go to the Brazilian marine.

1961

S. Wien, the aviation entrepreneur from Alaska, is the first non-Swiss customer to buy a Pilatus Porter PC-6.

1960

The Pilatus Porter with the inscription YETI flies to Nepal and takes part in the Swiss Dhaulagiri Expedition. Landings at 5,500 metres above sea-level set a new world record.

1950-1959

1959

First flight of Pilatus Porter PC-6 (HB-FAN) on 4 May.

1957

Development work starts on the Pilatus Porter PC-6 – an all-metal civilian transporter aircraft with short takeoff and landing characteristics.

1955

Production of a test series of twelve P-3.03s for the air force.

1953

Development of a training and exercise aircraft, the P-3, to meet air force needs. A total of 78 P-3s were produced for the Swiss Air Force up until 1958.

1951

Design of an aircraft for artillery observation, the P-5, for the military authorities. Project is abandoned.

1950

The Air Force orders modifications, checks and repair work on the AT-16 Scallion aircraft. This is performed on a total of 55 machines until 1958.

1940-1949

1949

Military authorities order under-license construction of fuselages and tail booms for the DH-100 Vampire and later for the DH-112 Venom. A total of 250 units were produced until 1957.

1948

First flight of the P-4 prototype (HB-AET) on 22 March. No series production follows.

1947

Construction of three gliders, the WLM-1, for military training purposes.

1946

Development and construction of a civilian five-seat small transport aircraft, the P-4, with a takeoff weight of 1,450 kg.