MEDIA RELEASE
Stans, Switzerland, 28. August 2017
THE END OF AN ERA: PILATUS DISCONTINUES PRODUCTION OF THE
LEGENDARY PILATUS PORTER PC-6
It brought fame to the Pilatus name worldwide – the Pilatus Porter
PC-6. This multi-role aircraft has been produced at Stans without
interruption since 1959, currently in small numbers, i.e. ten machines
per year at most. The PC-6 is one of the world's longest-running
production stories in the aviation industry. That will come to an end in
early 2019 when production will be ceased. Support will be provided to
existing customers for the next 20 years at least, thereby ensuring
reliable ongoing PC-6 operations.
Pilatus has produced a total of 500 PC-6s in Stans since 1959. Slightly
fewer than 100 machines were additionally produced in the USA under
licence. The PC-6 delivered an international breakthrough for Pilatus: its
short takeoff and landing capabilities and general versatility earned it
worldwide fame and a reputation as a robust “all-rounder”. Amongst its
many achievements, the Pilatus Porter has flown several cargo and
passenger trips at maximum useful load to an altitude of 5700 metres
above sea level – a world record that has not been bettered even to this
day!
Adjustment to our product portfolio
The Pilatus name stands for “high tech” and latest generation aircraft. In
line with this philosophy, our products benefit from ongoing development
to ensure they match the most recent standards. Due to the age of the
PC-6 and other certification parameters, it is no longer possible to
provide this ongoing development in the scope we would wish.
Also in connection with our PC-24 Super Versatile Jet, for which series
production is currently gearing up in Stans, and which requires our full
attention, we have decided that the PC-6 no longer fits our product
portfolio, and that, after 60 years, it is now time to cease production.
Employees previously engaged on the PC-6 production line will be
assigned to assembly work on our other aircraft types.
Oscar J. Schwenk, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pilatus,
comments:
“I am proud that the PC-6 featured in the Pilatus product portfolio, this
aircraft has earned us fame and recognition worldwide. But the time has
now come to take a dispassionate look at the facts and admit that every
product has a life cycle which must come to an end sooner or later. That
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moment has arrived for the PC-6. With an eye on the future, however, we
now look forward to the imminent market launch of the PC-24 Super
Versatile Jet, which embodies, and carries forward, all the original values
of the PC-6.”
Last opportunity to order
Pilatus will accept orders for the PC-6 latest until mid of 2018. The
number of aircraft available is limited. Existing customers may depend on
at least 20 years of support and spare parts for the PC-6, ensuring
reliable continuing operations well into the future, in line with the Pilatus
motto, “Customer First”.
High resolution photos of the PC-6 may be downloaded from
www.pilatusaircraft.com/photos.
