Company Reports Record Income, Strong Orders

2009 was another year of new records for Pilatus Aircraft Ltd despite of the general financial and economic crisis. The company recorded its highest ever operating income at nearly $73 million, a record number of PC-12 NG deliveries (100) and the biggest single order in our entire history with the PC-21 assignment from the United Arab Emirates.

Although these figures reflect a successful performance overall, the volume of orders for business aircraft has fallen, and incoming orders remain sluggish. In autumn 2009, Pilatus was obliged to reduce hours for part of its workforce. This measure was lifted in early 2010, and there are plans to recruit a further 100 staff by the end of this year.

The United Arab Emirates, with an existing fleet of 31 Pilatus PC-7s, has placed an order for the PC-21 training system. The total order for 25 aircraft is worth over $467 million. A further contract was also concluded with the Finnish Air Force for six PC-12 NGs to be deployed as liaison aircraft. This is the first ever order from a European air force for an entire fleet of this type of aircraft.

Pilatus PC 12

The global financial and economic crisis impacted on sales of business aircraft, resulting in cancellations and a slowdown in the order flow. Good planning and a full order book ensured we delivered a record number of PC-12 NGs (100) notwithstanding, including the 900th PC-12 to an existing customer in the USA. In 2009, readers of “Professional Pilot Magazine” and “Aviation International News” voted Pilatus Customer Service the best in its category for the eighth and sixth times consecutively.

The Maintenance Business Unit remained very busy throughout the year under review, essentially in connection with the conversion of the PC-7 fleet operated by the Swiss Air Force. These aircraft were fitted with a new cockpit. Buoyant demand for component and maintenance work also contributed to good capacity utilization. Maintenance is also responsible for production of the PC-6: five such aircraft were delivered in 2009. The legendary Pilatus Porter celebrated its 50th birthday during the year under review – and was brought right up to date with a state-of-the-art Garmin glass cockpit.

Pilatus PC-7

Pilatus believes that there are still difficult economic times to come. The company says it is making every possible effort to win new orders, but the situation remains challenging. Pilatus says its focus will be on securing sales of the PC-12 NG this year and next. They also anticipate the celebration of a major milestone midway through the year: delivery of our 1000th PC-12.

FMI: www.pilatus-aircraft.com