The Pilatus PC-12, a single-engine turboprop aircraft developed by Switzerland's Pilatus Aircraft, is known for its versatility and capability to operate on rugged airfields. The aircraft first flew in May 1991 and entered private service in 1994. It has gained popularity among corporate customers, fractional ownership companies, small regional airlines, air-ambulance services, government organizations, and air forces. As of May 2023, Pilatus Aircraft delivered its 2,000th PC-12.
The current offering from the manufacturer is the next-generation PC-12NGX. According to Pilatus Aircraft: "The brand-new PC-12 NGX builds on the rock-solid, 1,700 aircraft foundation of its market-defining predecessor. With over ten million flight hours, the PC-12 has proven itself as the most versatile and valued business aircraft in the world." The base price for the PC-12NGX is $5.5 million with an equipped executive jet price of $6.4 million.
Pilatus has been manufacturing this model since the mid-1990s. The aircraft features a crew capacity of one or two pilots and can seat six to nine passengers in standard configuration. Its dimensions include a length of 14.4 meters (47 ft 3 in), wingspan of 16.28 meters (53 ft 5 in), and height of 4.26 meters (14 ft). It is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engine with up to 1,200 shaft horsepower at takeoff.