Pilatus has delivered a PC-24 that will be used by the Swiss government, primarily for European travel. The aircraft was ordered in 2014 and delivered on February 18, 2019. The government previously used a business jet made by a North American manufacturer.
The aircraft has been painted in a white and gray livery, with a Swiss cross on the tail fin plus the name of its operator – the Swiss Air Force. Ueli Maurer, president of the Swiss Confederation, took delivery of the PC-24 at a handover ceremony in Berne.
“I’m delighted the Swiss government opted for a Swiss product and will travel aboard the PC-24 – the new ‘Swiss Air Force One’,” said Oscar J Schwenk, chairman at Pilatus. “This choice sends a very important signal for our brand-new business jet. I’m confident that other governments will adopt the PC-24 once they see the unrivalled opportunities and flexibility it offers.”
The flat-floor cabin offers space for eight passengers plus crew and luggage. Other benefits include a large cargo door, fitted as standard, and the jet’s ability to use very short runways. The PC-24 has a range of 2,000 nautical miles (3,704km) and flies at 440kts (815kph).
