Swiss business aircraft manufacturer Pilatus (Booth L115) has reopened the order book for its PC-24 “Super Versatile” jet and confirmed completion of EASA and FAA approvals for the aircraft to be operated from unpaved runways and for steep approaches. While the order book for the type is now open again, with orders being taken by both the Swiss company and its authorized sales agents around the world, the manufacturer confirmed that delivery positions would be available in 2020 and 2021 and that the “base price” of the aircraft is $10.7 million.

The OEM initially took orders for the first 84 aircraft, each priced at $8.9 million, when it launched the twinjet at EBACE in May 2014. At that time, it wanted to focus on certification and entry-into-service, which has now been completed successfully, with 30 PC-24s already in service since it delivered the first example in February 2018.

According to Pilatus, the PC-24 fleet leader—S/N 101—belongs to U.S. fractional ownership provider PlaneSense and has flown more than 1,100 hours, while the fleet as a whole has surpassed 5,000 hours in operation. Pilatus said it plans to deliver a total of 40 PC-24s this year and is “stepping up production” to 50 aircraft next year.

Reflecting on the program, Pilatus chairman Oscar Schwenk said, “Demand for the PC-24 is phenomenal. From day one there has been keen interest from various customer segments all over the world. Feedback from the first 30 PC-24 operators is extremely positive, with special mention of the aircraft’s versatility, its spacious, quiet cabin, and the incredible performance."

Meanwhile, Pilatus is continuing its work on certification for other runway surfaces, including grass. It confirmed that operations on unpaved runways have already taken place using in-service aircraft, with the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia flying an aircraft in early May to Kingoonya, a small and remote strip in a farming settlement in the outback.