Pilatus Aircraft, a leading manufacturer in the aviation sector, experienced a modest increase in aircraft deliveries over the past year, which culminated in an impressive revenue growth of 10.5%, thereby achieving a total revenue of CHF 1.63 billion ($1.8 billion). In its year-end report, the Swiss company disclosed that its profits rose by 1.3%, with new orders exhibiting a remarkable surge of 44.9%, reaching a substantial total of CHF 2.19 billion.
Throughout the last fiscal year, Pilatus successfully delivered a total of 153 aircraft, including 96 units of the PC-12 NGX turboprop single-engine aircraft, 51 units of the PC-24 twinjets, and six units of the PC-21 military trainer aircraft. This represents an uptick compared to the 148 aircraft delivered in the previous year (2022), which included 101 PC-12 models and 47 PC-24 variants.
As of December 31, the company reported its order backlog to be 25.5% higher than at the beginning of the year, translating to a significant total value of CHF 2.92 billion. This backlog reflects a growing interest in both the PC-12 and PC-24 aircraft models, along with strategic contracts that include an order for 19 PC-21 training aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force and a procurement contract with the Dutch government for eight PC-7 MKX basic trainer aircraft.
In the annual report, the leadership team at Pilatus acknowledged the persistent challenges facing the supply chain, attributing these difficulties to frequent delays in the receipt of critical components. In light of these obstacles, the company is taking proactive measures by implementing a strategy focused on insourcing manufacturing processes to enhance control over the supply chain.
To address the ongoing supply-chain disruptions effectively, Pilatus is progressing with the acquisition of Ruag Aerostructures, a Swiss-based enterprise that employs 230 skilled personnel and possesses extensive capabilities in machinery and production processes. Additionally, the company is investing in establishing manufacturing facilities in Spain through its newly established subsidiary, Pilatus Aircraft Ibérica, located in the city of Seville.
Furthermore, to bolster product support across the United States, Pilatus plans to inaugurate a state-of-the-art sales and service centre at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ) in Florida. The company has also enhanced its operational presence through the acquisition of the Aero Center Atlanta facility, strengthening its customer service capabilities.
“Despite the myriad of challenges we have faced, we have made significant advancements in 2024, which include critical developments in our product portfolio,” asserted Chairman Hansueli Loosli. “We are steadfastly committed to making targeted investments in our infrastructure and sustainability initiatives, while also striving to improve the terms of employment for our workforce, whom we consider our most invaluable asset.”
Currently, Pilatus boasts a global workforce of 3,326 employees, with more than 55% actively engaged in production. This workforce includes 140 apprentices, thereby reinforcing the company’s commitment to training and skill development. Notably, 87.4% of employees are based in Switzerland, underscoring the company’s deep-rooted ties to its home country.
In terms of sustainability, Pilatus has developed a comprehensive strategy that includes a significant investment in Synhelion, a pioneering company dedicated to utilizing solar energy for the production of carbon-neutral jet fuel. Moreover, Pilatus is channelling resources into the development of facilities characterized by reduced carbon footprints, including its maintenance centre located at Buochs Airport (LSZC) in Switzerland, along with a dedicated composites manufacturing facility in Ennetbürgen. These efforts reflect Pilatus’s commitment to sustainable aviation practices and its proactive approach to minimizing the environmental impact of its operations.
