Summary
- Pilatus Aircraft has made over 1,000 modifications to the PC-24 business jet, increasing its maximum range to 2,000 NM and payload capacity to 3,100 lbs.
- The upgraded PC-24 features a redesigned interior with new amenities, such as a large side-facing divan that can be converted into a bed, and a state-of-the-art entertainment system.
- The first deliveries of the upgraded PC-24 will begin in 2024, and the aircraft will be showcased at the National Business Aviation Association’s Annual Convention in Las Vegas and the Dubai Airshow 2023.
Pilatus Aircraft has unveiled some substantial modifications to its PC-24 business jet. The Swiss manufacturer has made more than 1,000 modifications to the aircraft’s design, some of which will help to extend its maximum range to 2,000 NM.
The PC-24’s interior has been given a makeover too, incorporating a range of new amenities, including a large side-facing divan, which can be converted into a bed, and a state-of-the-art entertainment system.
Photo: Pilatus Aircraft
The first deliveries of the upgraded PC-24 will begin in 2024, over nine years since the PC-24 first took to the skies in May 2015. The aircraft was initially designed to compete with the Embraer Phenom 300 and the Cessna Citation CJ4 and has been a commercial success for Pilatus Aircraft. The manufacturer has gone on to sell more than 100 PC-24s, with the current list price of each aircraft currently sitting at $12.2 million.
However, before the first delivery next year, the first upgraded PC-24 will be displayed at the National Business Aviation Association’s Annual Convention in Las Vegas from October 17th through 19th. It will also feature at the Dubai Airshow 2023 next month.
Improved operational performance
Pilatus Aircraft has increased the maximum payload capacity of the new PC-24 by 600 lbs to 3,100 lbs. This has, in turn, increased the aircraft’s maximum range with six passengers onboard by 200 NM.
Photo: Pilatus Aircraft
The manufacturer’s Vice President of Engineering, Bruno Cervia, explained how the payload increase came about, saying,
“The payload increase was achieved by refining both wing and fuselage structural elements to reduce the airframe empty weight while simultaneously increasing the maximum gross take-off weight limit. It’s simply Swiss engineering at its best”.
Upgraded aircraft interior
According to Pilatus Aircraft, the PC-24 already offers the largest cabin volume in its class, and the manufacturer teamed up with Lufthansa Technik to significantly improve the passenger experience onboard.
The cabin on the new PC-24 will come equipped with noise-absorbing panels and redesigned storage areas. Passengers will enjoy a ten-inch touch screen, high-quality sound system, mood lighting, USB ports, and a media storage server. In addition, the side-facing divan is more than six feet in length, and can be converted into a bed when needed.
Photo: Pilatus Aircraft
The CEO of Pilatus Aircraft, Markus Bucher, celebrated the upgraded aircraft, saying,
“More range, greater payload, enhanced comfort and increased operability were the primary focus of this major PC-24 improvement program. The PC-24 upgrade includes over 1,000 modifications throughout the aircraft. Yet again, we went all the way to the limits of what is possible, making maximum use of our engineering capabilities to deliver the best PC-24 ever. With this major upgrade, there is simply no other business jet on the market capable of consistently performing like our Super Versatile Jet.”
Pilatus Aircraft hopes its upgrades to the PC-24 will ensure its longevity well into the future, and the new PC-24 will likely attract attention from customers worldwide when it is put on display later this month in Las Vegas.
Have you flown on the Pilatus Aircraft PC-24? What do you make of the upgrades unveiled today? Share your thoughts and experiences by commenting below.