Continuing Business Aviation Surge Bodes Well for Highest Delivery Numbers Yet

Pilatus has completed bookkeeping for 2021, announcing that the Swiss brand achieved record growth of 19%, over 35% higher than the previous year. 

The company delivered its highest number ever, sending out 45 PC-24s, 88 PC-12 NGXs, 17 PC-21s and 2 PC-6s. A record 152 aircraft made their way into customer hands, with sales of about 1.4 billion dollars, with incoming orders valued at approximately 1.8 billion. Pilatus credits "High demand in both Business Units In the Business Unit Government Aviation," like its follow-up order with France for 9 additional PC-21s, or the interest garnered in its brand new PC-7 MKX. 

The aircraft was announced to considerable interest in the world of military pilot training, offering an advanced single engine turbine aircraft that Pilatus calls the "smart basic trainer". While its sales were not yet reflected too favorably, Pilatus is confident that the oft-sluggish gears of military procurement have already begun to turn their way. The brand's revision to the PC-12 NGX also proved popular, coinciding nicely with the general aviation boom around the world. Those with the company had additional reason to celebrate, as 2,100+ employees at the head office received a share in the company's profits. A bonus equal to about 1.5 months' salary was paid out, with additional benefits added onto a plethora of jobs in an effort to entice new talent and retain qualified workers. 

But it's not all roses for the Swiss. Pilatus said that it has seen consistent disruptions to supply chains, bottlenecks, and similar issues that have taken a toll on production, halting operations and raising costs. Markus Bucher, CEO, addressed the company, saying that the challenges ahead were fully surmountable. 

“Thanks to a great deal of hard work and flexibility, we achieved a very good result of which the entire crew may be justifiably proud. Demand for our products and services has rarely been so high. Meeting customer expectations despite unreliable supply chains and continuing deglobalisation will, however, ensure our work remains challenging.”

FMI: www.pilatus-aircraft.com