Abu Dhabi business aviation service company Falcon Aviation has added the Pilatus PC-12 to its maintenance and support portfolio as it seeks to take advantage of expected growth in sales of the single-engined turboprop in the region.
The first example of the 10-seat, all-metal aircraft was handed over late last year to Abu Dhabi-based charter start-up Gi. A second unit is scheduled to enter service shortly. Gi has appointed Falcon Aviation to provide line and base maintenance as well as regional aircraft on-ground-support for the aircraft from its Al Bateen executive airport base.
Gi Aviation
Falcon chief operating officer Raman Oberoi says of the expansion: “We are investing in appropriate infrastructure and technical support for the region to help new operators like Gi Aviation grow.”
The company plans to widen its service offering to include the PC-24, for which it has an order for two units. The in-development super-light business jet is earmarked for certification and service entry in the fourth quarter, with Falcon expecting delivery of its aircraft from the second quarter of 2019.
Oberoi describes the PC-24 and PC-12 as “real game-changers in the Middle East.” He says: “We can see them providing excellent feeder opportunities, not just to the larger private jet companies but also to the commercial airlines.”
Source: Flight International
