Pilatus has delivered two PC-24s to New South Wales Air Ambulance (NSWAA), enhancing their aeromedical capabilities with the jet-powered aircraft. Breaking Defense reports that NSWAA selected the PC-24 for its large patient door and cabin volume, which will improve patient transfer efficiency.
Pilatus handed over the 2,000th PC-12 to PlaneSense, its longstanding US customer, at a ceremony in Stans, Switzerland. The aircraft is part of the Swiss manufacturer's history and has been an important part of the success of the PlaneSense program.
Pilatus has announced that its global fleet of over 1,900 PC-12s has officially accumulated more than ten million flight hours since delivery of the first model. The milestone was reached thanks to the continued success of the aircraft, which has been popular among corporate flight departments, individual owner-operators, and fractional and charter companies.
Platoon Aviation has taken delivery of its sixth PC-24 aircraft from Pilatus, expanding its fleet within just three years. Managing Director Deniz Weissenborn highlighted the demand for fast connections to European destinations, citing the popularity of holiday travel and business travel.
Firefly Aerospace completed risk reduction testing for critical Miranda engine components ahead of the first hot fire scheduled this summer. Leveraging its flight-proven Reaver engines, Miranda will power the Medium Launch Vehicle (MLV) Firefly is co-developing with Northrop Grumman.
Astronaut Claude Nicollier flew the Pilatus Next Generation Trainer, praising its handling qualities and aerobatic capabilities. Nicollier, who has logged over 1,000 hours in space, shared his thoughts on the PC-21 during a test flight at Pilatus.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc., has been awarded a $112 million NASA contract to deliver multiple lunar payloads in 2026. As part of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, Firefly will utilize its Blue Ghost spacecraft in a two-stage configuration to place a satellite into lunar orbit and then deliver research payloads on the far side of the Moon.
The Spanish Air Force has decided to buy another 16 PC-21s from Pilatus, following an initial order in early 2020. The contract makes Spain the largest operator of the PC-21 in Europe.
Pilatus reported its best year ever in 2022, driven by high demand and sales of 1.3 billion Swiss francs. Despite supply chain challenges, the company delivered 40 PC-24s and 80 PC-12 NGXs, with orders worth 1.
Pilatus has delivered the tenth PC-24 Super Versatile Jet to Luxembourg-based Jetfly, marking another milestone in their long-standing partnership. Jetfly, a pioneer in fractional ownership, operates mainly in western Europe and offers its customers a unique service with the PC-24's spacious cabin and flexible capabilities.
Tradewind Aviation accepted delivery of their first PC-12 NGX from Pilatus, marking the start of twenty aircraft deliveries over five years. The milestone was celebrated at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport with executives from both companies.
Firefly Aerospace has appointed Dan Fermon as Chief Operating Officer, bringing decades of experience to the role. Prior to joining Firefly, Fermon was a Vice President at AE Industrial Partners, where he improved operational performance through cross-portfolio projects and synergies execution.
Firefly Aerospace has added former NASA Administrator James Bridenstine to its Advisory Board, effective immediately. Bridenstine joins the company amid recent success in its Alpha rocket program and upcoming lunar missions.
Firefly Aerospace has added Chris Emerson, a seasoned aerospace leader with decades of experience, to its Board of Directors. Effective immediately, Emerson will offer his counsel as Firefly looks to build off its successful launch earlier this month.
Pilatus has confirmed very high demand for both the PC-12 NGX and PC-24 at the NBAA-BACE business aviation show. The company delivered 47 PC-12 NGX and 27 PC-24 by end of September 2022, with a total of 1,920 PC-12s and 116,000 flight hours accumulated since programme inception.
The US Space Force has selected Firefly Aerospace for its VICTUS NOX mission, worth $17.6M, to demonstrate end-to-end tactical responsive space capabilities. The effort will include the launch segment, space segment, ground segment, and on-orbit operations from Low-Earth Orbit (LEO).
Firefly Aerospace successfully launched its Alpha rocket on October 1, 2022, becoming the first US commercial space company to reach orbit. The mission deployed three customer payloads, including demonstration satellites from NASA TechEdSat-15 in conjunction with San Jose State University.
Pilatus has announced plans to acquire Skytech Inc., a specialist service provider and aircraft vendor with two locations in Maryland and South Carolina. The entire workforce of around 120 employees will continue to be employed by Pilatus as part of an upcoming succession plan.
NASA has selected Firefly Aerospace as a launch provider for its Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) missions. The fixed-price contract, worth up to $300 million across five years, will utilize Firefly's Alpha rocket for launches in the 500-1000 kg range.
Pilatus Post spoke with Jan and Stefan Greub, who share their experiences as airline and test pilots at Pilatus. Jan began his career after initially planning to be a military pilot, while Stefan is involved in the development of the PC-24 aircraft.