Ahead of officially opening its order book for the new PC-24 business jet, Pilatus has received a letter of intent from Abu Dhabi-based Falcon Aviation Services in what potentially sees Pilatus with its launch customer.
Launched in May this year, the PC-24 is Pilatus’s first foray into the jet market. Roll-out of the new design is scheduled for the third quarter of 2014 with a maiden flight expected towards the end of the year.
Pilatus has said the eight-seat PC-24 will be the first business jet worldwide with the ability to use very short runways, paved or unpaved, and a cargo door as standard. The aircraft is powered by two Williams FJ44-4A turbines offering a maximum speed of 425kt and a maximum range with four passengers of around 3,610km.
The Falcon Aviation Services order is expected to be officially announced at Geneva’s EBACE business aviation convention in May 2014.
