Pilatus unveils the first PC-24

roll-out of the first Pilatus PC-24 prototype

Pilatus Aircraft has officially unveiled its first ever PC-24 prototype. Around 25,000 spectators watched as the show took place at Buochs airfield in central Switzerland.

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The roll-out was preceded by a fly-by of all the aircraft, which have ever reached series production in Pilatus’ 75 year history.

Oscar Schwenk, chairman of the board of directors of Pilatus, said: “Today’s celebration is a clear sign of our commitment to Switzerland as a centre of vision and action. Our company was established here in Stans exactly 75 years ago. We have seen our activities grow and expand here in Stans, and this is where we want to be in the future: in Stans, producing our aircraft for sale to customers around the world.”

“It’s wonderful that so many thousands of guests from Switzerland, and also from countries nearby and further afield, have made the effort to be with us here today, to celebrate this event together. The PC-24 marks a really important milestone in our 75-year history,” added Schwenk.

Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer, who attended the event, announced that the members of the Federal Council have voted to buy a PC-24.

A total of three prototypes will be produced for the PC-24 test flight programme. The maiden flight of the first prototype, which was presented at the roll-out, will go ahead in spring 2015.