Plane Accepted By Western Aircraft Of Boise, ID

Pilatus announced Tuesday the start of PC-12 NG customer deliveries, noting keys to the first customer plane were recently handed off during a delivery ceremony in Broomfield, CO.

"This important day marks the beginning of a new chapter in the PC-12 success story," said Thomas Hunziker, President and CEO of Pilatus Business Aircraft, Ltd. "Pilatus works hard to deliver best in class capability and we have no doubt the PC-12 NG will continue this legacy."

As ANN reported, Pilatus announced during the 2006 National Business Aircraft Association convention the Swiss planemaker would launch a completely revised version of the PC-12. The PC-12 NG features a number of significant improvements over its predecessor, including a fully integrated Honeywell Primus Apex avionics system, a completely revised cockpit designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA, and a more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engine.

"I am delighted to accept the aircraft on behalf of our customer," said Phil Winters, VP of sales for Western Aircraft of Boise, ID. "They will shortly commence operations and we anticipate the PC-12 NG will meet and exceed all of their mission requirements."

The customer aircraft -- still under Swiss registry at the time, though masked by an N-number applique -- was recently displayed at April's show in Lakeland, FL (shown above).

FMI: www.pilatus-aircraft.com