Enhanced Range, Payload and Possibilities

Swiss manufacturer, Pilatus Aircraft reported a 10 per cent growth in sales for 2023, with revenues climbing to 1.48 billion Swiss Francs ($1.68 billion) and earnings up by six per cent at 240 million Swiss Francs. Among the highlights last year for Pilatus, was the launch in October of the new version of the PC-24, offering increased payload and range.

Known for its versatility and performance in the business jet segment, the new version of PC-24 offers extensive enhancements in range, payload, and interior options. This latest iteration of the Super Versatile Jet (SVJ) boasts a significant increase in both range and payload capacity, a feat that has been achieved without compromising the aircraft’s core characteristics. The payload has been increased by 272 kilograms (600 pounds), while the maximum range with six passengers on board has been extended by 370 kilometers, bringing the total range to an impressive 3,704 kilometers (2,000 nautical miles). For operations with full fuel and a single pilot, the maximum payload reaches 596 kilograms (1,315 pounds). Even more remarkable is the payload capacity on shorter routes, where the PC-24 can carry up to 1,406 kilograms (3,100 pounds), setting a new benchmark in its class.

Tobias Waeber, Project Leader for the PC-24, highlighted the primary objectives for the newer version, “We did what the project name says – ‘Payload Range Increase Program,’ and focused on increasing the payload capacity and range of the new PC-24. At the same time, we absolutely wanted to retain the PC-24’s aerodynamic characteristics and excellent flight handling, so that meant no major changes to the external shape.”

Waeber’s team honed in on structural improvements to the wing and fuselage, allowing them to increase the maximum takeoff weight while reducing the empty weight. These advancements have elevated the PC-24’s performance to new heights, offering customers increased flexibility.

“It will now be possible to transport more luggage and passengers on shorter routes. And on longer routes, the crew may be able to avoid a refuelling stop,” Waeber highlighted. Over 700 modifications were made to the aircraft’s structure alone, and the final tally of changes exceeded 1,000. Waeber reflects on this intensive process, “We struggled to shave off every gram wherever we could. It was only at the end, when we were able to verify the sum of over 700 modifications to the structure alone, that we realised we had actually exceeded our initial targets.”

These modifications not only enhanced the aircraft’s structural integrity but also positioned the PC-24 well ahead of its competitors. Waeber noted, “On short routes, the PC-24 significantly exceeds the maximum payload of its closest competitors by over 15 per cent, and maximum range with four passengers is slightly better as well. Astonishingly, the PC-24 achieves this with a significantly larger cabin and smaller fuel tanks. And we remain the only aircraft in this class able to operate at so many airfields.”

A REFINED INTERIOR FOR COMFORT AND INNOVATION

Pilatus didn’t stop at improving the PC-24’s range and payload; the interior has also been significantly upgraded to enhance passenger comfort and experience. The noise level within the cabin has been reduced through various optimisations, including enhancements to the ventilation system and engine intake. The cabin now offers greater flexibility, ergonomic improvements, and additional storage space.

JEFF BEZOS OWNS THREE PRIVATE JETS WORTH $140 MILLION IN TOTAL, THE LATEST ADDITION INCLUDING A PILATUS PC-24. SOURCE: WWW.BUSINESSINSIDER.IN

ADANI GROUP IS EXPECTED TO BUY SIX PILATUS PC-24 BUSINESS JETS AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF OVER ₹300 CRORE ($36 MILLION APPROX.) FOR ALL SIX AIRCRAFT. KARNAVATI AVIATION, THE AVIATION ARM OF THE ADANI GROUP, WILL ACQUIRE THE AIRCRAFT FROM THE RESALE MARKET. SOURCE: WWW.BUSINESS-STANDARD.COM

Flavia Vianna, Director of Product Management, elaborated on these changes, “All the features which make the PC-24 a genuine Swiss quality product – the craftsmanship, the premium materials, the precision – are clearly recognisable, but were chosen in such a way that they don’t appear too obtrusive. The end result is more free space and customers who can also bring their own personality and character to the table.”

Pilatus has also introduced a new Inflight Entertainment System in collaboration with Lufthansa Technik. This system includes a ten-inch touchscreen with a 3D map displaying the real-time position of the aircraft, four high-quality cabin loudspeakers including a subwoofer, mood lighting, USB ports, and dedicated media storage.

Among the most notable interior upgrades is the introduction of a large side-facing divan, a first in its class. This nearly two-meter-long divan can be converted into a bed during flight, offering passengers a new level of comfort. Vianna explains that this seating arrangement is the first to be entirely developed in-house by Pilatus.

In keeping with its forward-thinking approach, Pilatus has integrated a new predictive maintenance feature into all PC-24s from serial number 501 onwards. This function enables the aircraft to automatically transmit key data to Pilatus after landing. This data is then analysed, and if necessary, a predictive maintenance recommendation is provided to the operator, ensuring that the aircraft remains in optimal condition and minimising downtime.

Certified for single-pilot operation, the PC-24’s cockpit is designed for efficiency and safety. The Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE) includes state-of-the-art avionics, such as a Synthetic Vision System, Autothrottle, and Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II), providing a user-friendly experience for pilots. The PC-24’s ability to operate on various surfaces, including grass, gravel, dirt, and snow, gives it unmatched mobility. This versatility has made it a popular choice for special missions, including air ambulance services in remote areas like the Australian Outback and Alaska’s Arctic Circle. The manufacturer boast that how the PC-24 opens up new travel possibilities with its superior runway performance and short landing capabilities whether for business or leisure.

THE PC-24 HERITAGE

Pilatus began development of the PC-24 as early as 2007. The Swiss company wanted an aircraft that was similar to the successful PC-12 turboprop. Because of the required improvements, Pilatus intended to make the PC-24 jet-powered. The aircraft was officially introduced in May 2013, and it took its first flight in May 2015. It received both its European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification and its Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification in December 2017. The first delivery of the PC-24 occurred on February 7, 2018.

Less than three years after the first delivery, as the 100th PC-24 was handed over to its new owner, the PC-24 reached every continent, covering medevac flights in Australia and the USA, business travel for a German automobile manufacturer, and transport for government officials in South Africa and Switzerland. Beyond the base model of the PC-24, Pilatus also introduced an air ambulance version of the business jet. This aircraft was introduced in November 2019. This variant comes with three beds, an electrical stretcher loader, and supplemental power systems within the aircraft.

Pilatus Aircraft showcased its upgraded PC-24 at EBACE in May 2024. Deliveries of the upgraded model began earlier in the year, and the jet made its debut at the Aero Friedrichshafen general aviation show in Germany in April. According to Ursula Widmer, Pilatus’ marketing manager, most of the upgrades had already received certification. In 2023, notable deliveries for Pilatus included those to the charter operators, PlaneSense (USA) and JetFly (Europe). Both companies reported continued strong demand from passengers.

PILATUS AIRCRAFT: A LEGACY OF INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE

Since its founding in 1939, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd has established itself as a pioneer in aviation, producing some of the world’s most distinctive aircraft. From the iconic PC-12, the best-selling single-engine turboprop in its class, to the advanced PC-7 MKX and PC-21 trainer aircraft, Pilatus has consistently led the market in pilot training systems. The recently introduced PC-24, the world’s first business jet designed for short, unprepared runways, stands a testament to Pilatus’ ongoing commitment to innovation.

Pilatus also continues to ensure its focus on sustainability. The manufacturer operates a massive solar power plant onsite at its Stans headquarters – generating clean, renewable electricity. The entire solar installation is connected to the local power grid. In a typical year, Pilatus returns approximately 80 per cent of the clean, renewable solar energy it harvests to the power grid for others to use. 80 per cent of the energy used to heat factory buildings is produced from renewable, local & sustainable sources such as the local wood-fired power plant. In addition, all Pilatus aircraft are certified to operate using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).