Pilatus Aircraft has reported on a solid financial year in 2010, generating record revenues and operating profits.
The Swiss company generated sales of CHF 688m (A$734m) and an operating profit of CHF 88m (A$94m), both figures up over 11 per cent on 2009. Nonetheless, new orders for the year and the order backlog were both down, with new orders placed in 2010 worth CHF 355m (A$379m), and the order backlog reducing to CHF 689m (A$736m).
Pilatus noted that 2010 was “difficult for the business aviation sector”. However, 79 PC-12s were still delivered in 2010, including the 33rd for the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) and three to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Military sales were boosted with the November 2009 order by the United Arab Emirates Air Force & Air Defence for 25 PC-21 trainers, and the Swiss Air Force ordering a further two.
