Tue, Apr 28, 2009
Pilatus Aircraft has won a contract by the Air Force Command
Finland for the delivery of 6 PC-12 NG aircraft to the Finnish Air
Force to replace their existing Liaison Aircraft. The procurement
contract, worth € 22.5 million, was agreed and signed at a
ceremony in Tikkakoski, last Friday, attended by the Commander of
the Finnish Air Force, Major General Jarmo Lindberg and Jim Roche,
Vice President in charge of Government Aviation at Pilatus.
Delivery of the 6 PC-12 NG Liaison Aircraft will be made during the
final quarter of 2010.
Following more than 12 months of assessment and an extensive
flight evaluation phase in Stans, Switzerland and Iqaluit, Canada,
Pilatus succeeded in securing this contract with its PC-12 NG
aircraft.
Pilatus Chairman and CEO, Oscar J. Schwenk, stated that, "We are
extremely happy to have been awarded this important contract. This
decision is further proof of the versatility of the PC-12 NG, which
can fulfil the needs of military operators due to its proven
multi-role capabilities. We believe this will encourage other Air
Forces in Europe and around the globe to look closer at the
performance and capabilities of this unique platform. With ever
shrinking military budgets, the durability, efficiency and the life
cycle cost of the PC-12 NG are key parameters for today’s
decision makers. With more than 860 PC-12 aircraft operating every
day – on all five continents – in some of the toughest
environmental conditions possible, the PC-12 is fast becoming a
legend in its own lifetime. Once again we are proud to have been
selected and we welcome the Finnish Air Force in to the
‘Pilatus Family’”.
The decision by the Finnish Air Force to purchase the Pilatus
PC-12 is a significant benchmark for Pilatus as it marks the first
fleet sale of the PC-12 to a European Air Force. The Finnish Air
Force joins 32 other Air Forces around the world operating Pilatus
aircraft.
The PC-12 NG aircraft with its outstanding versatility,
performance and operational flexibility will be used in a Multi
Purpose Liaison Aircraft role to transport Finnish air force
personnel and cargo and will ultimately replace the Piper PA-31-350
Chieftain aircraft which has been in service with the Finnish Air
Force since 1983.
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