Tradewind Aviation expands Pilatus PC-12 fleet with new orders

Policy

Airbus A380 | Airbus

By Sky Industry News

Jan 4, 2025

Tradewind Aviation, a U.S. airline headquartered in Oxford, Connecticut, operates exclusively with Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. The airline owns 35 of these single-engine turboprop planes and has additional orders for more units, specifically the PC-12 NGX model. These aircraft are used for both scheduled passenger services and private charter flights.

The airline was founded in 2001 and focuses on routes within the Northeast U.S., Florida, and the Caribbean. Tradewind's operational bases include Westchester County Airport in New York, Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico, and Witham Field Airport in Stuart, Florida.

Tradewind offers several variants of the PC-12 including the /45, /47, NG, and NGX models. According to Flightradar24 data, their current fleet comprises 11 PC-12/45s, one PC-12/47, 12 PC-12 NGs, and 12 PC-12 NGXs. Each variant has undergone various upgrades over time since its introduction by Swiss manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft.

Get the Newsletter

Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News

By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Eric Zipkin, Co-Founder and President of Tradewind Aviation commented on their expansion: "We are excited to grow our fleet of Pilatus PC-12 NGX turboprops and further our partnership with a well-respected industry leader. The latest Pilatus enhancements will benefit our crew and clientele."

Scheduled flights from Tradewind operate from smaller airports using private Fixed Based Operator (FBO) terminals which offer passengers an experience distinct from mainline commercial flying. Current destinations include Anguilla (AXA), Antigua (ANU), Marsh Harbour (MHH), Martha's Vineyard (MVY), Nantucket (ACK), North Eleuthera (ELH), Palm Beach (PBI), White Plains (HPN), St. Barths (SBH), San Juan (SJU), St. Thomas (STT), Tortola (EIS), and Virgin Gorda (VIJ).

While Tradewind primarily uses its own fleet for operations, it occasionally charters other aircraft types as needed for specific flights but no longer operates Cessna Citation CJ3 jets after retiring them recently.