Pilatus Aircraft has ended its relationship with business aviation services provider ExecuJet as it seeks to expand its international base. ExecuJet has been responsible for the sales, marketing and maintenance of the PC-12 single engine turboprop in the Middle East, Scandinavia and South Africa.

“There is a very strong market for PC-12 at the moment,” says Fred Muggli, Pilatus PC-12 sales manager. “We want to run our own show now,” he adds. The Stans, Switzerland-based manufacturer will next month mark the 600th PC-12 delivery since the aircraft entered service in 1994.

Pilatus boasts orders for 140 PC-12s, over 90% in executive configuration. Muggli says: “We delivered 80 aircraft last year, a record number, and production is sold out until 2007”.

KATE SARSFIELD / LONDON

Source: Flight International