Swiss Government takes delivery of Pilatus PC-24
Swiss Air Force Pilatus PC-24 T-786
The Swiss government officially took delivery of the Pilatus PC-24 ordered in 2014 on 18 February 2019. The brand-new PC-24 Super Versatile Jet replaces a business jet supplied by a North American manufacturer and previously used for government flights.
Ueli Maurer, President of the Swiss Confederation, took delivery of the PC-24 at a simple handover ceremony held in Berne. The Swiss Air Force will operate the aircraft for the Swiss government. The government jet sports a modern, white-grey livery with striking Swiss cross on the tail fin plus the words “Swiss Air Force”.
The aircraft serial number is 121, indicating that it is the 21st PC-24 to come off the production line. The military registration is T-786.
“I’m delighted the Swiss government opted for a Swiss product, and will travel aboard the PC-24 – the new ‘Swiss Air Force One’ – in the future! 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 which it offers,” commented Pilatus Chairman Oscar J. Schwenk.
The aircraft will be used primarily for travel within Europe. The PC-24 has a range of 2,000 nautical miles (3,704 kilometres) and flies at a speed of 440 knots (815 kilometres per hour). The PC-24 is much less expensive to operate than jets of similar cabin size.
Pilatus is proud and thanks the Swiss government for its confidence in the brand-new Swiss business jet by Pilatus. The management and all employees are delighted that from now on, the government will fly in typical Swiss style: with the Pilatus PC-24.
