Press Release

Issued by Pilatus Aircraft.

June 7, 2011

Pilatus, the Swiss aircraft manufacturer will be displaying two very different aircraft at the Goodwood Festival Of Speed Aviation Exhibition (30 June – 3 July). The latest $4.3 million 9 seat Pilatus PC-12 luxury executive aircraft will be parked next to one of the world's most versatile aircraft and a rare sight in the UK, the PC-6 Turbo Porter. In production for 4 decades, the rugged, short take-off and landing turboprop that can carry up to ten parachutists mainly sells to operators in harsh climates and where rugged airstrips are used. It is often equipped with snow skis or as a float plane. To buy it would cost around $1.8 million depending on the customer's requirements.

Bob Berry, Chairman of the Bournemouth based Pilatus Centre that distributes the award winning aircraft within the UK, Ireland and Spain, said that whilst they have sold 36 of the executive PC-12 aircraft since 2005, they have not had the opportunity to place a Turbo Porter on the UK aircraft register.

"We are delighted to have the PC-6 at the exhibition. Anyone who has seen the Mel Gibson film Air America, or searches on U-tube, will know how versatile these aircraft are when it comes to landing in confined areas," said Bob Berry. "Yet our customers prefer the PC-12 which remains unrivalled in its own niche market with size, versatility, economic operating costs and long flight range attracting anyone who can afford to bypass airport terminal check-in queues."

20 PC-12s are based at Bournemouth International Airport and Goodwood Airfield where there are fully approved maintenance facilities.

Mike Husband, Commercial Manager at Goodwood, said that they have been encouraged by the huge interest from the aviation industry for the second Goodwood Festival Of Speed Aviation Exhibition: "It is great to see most of the aircraft manufacturers returning to exhibit for a second year. With an amazing variety of visitors drawn to the aviation exhibition we hope that Bob and his team can sell their first Turbo Porter!"