Press Release

Issued by Oriens Aviation.

September 9, 2015

Oriens Aviation, the Biggin Hill Airport based distributor for the Swiss manufactured Pilatus PC-12 executive aircraft, has announced a $14m investment as demand continues for the nine seat aircraft that combines luxury and economic travel. Three new $4.6 million aircraft will be imported from March when eager frequent flyers will be keen to escape travelling to schedules and the queues at major airports.

Oriens Aviation founder and chief executive Edwin Brenninkmeyer, has a wealth of experience in the various industries, including aviation management and is also an experienced commercial executive jet pilot with over 3,500 flying hours logged. If the name Brenninkmeyer seems familiar in the business world it will be as a member of the well-known Dutch retail business family.

“We are now receiving strong levels of interest for the PC-12. Its great value, economic operating costs, combined with a remarkably low depreciation means that pre owned aircraft are soon resold within the worldwide market,” said Edwin Brenninkmeyer.

Since 1994, over 40 of the PC-12 turboprop aircraft have been sold in the UK to people who want to enjoy the real convenience of a private aircraft for business or pleasure. The PC-12 has many advantages that appeal to those who want the freedom of personalised air travel. Its turboprop engine makes it fast (cruise speed is over 300 mph) and cheaper to operate, it can carry up to nine executives or family members in spacious cabin, it can be loaded with pallets from a forklift thanks to its generous rear cargo door, and has a range of 1500 miles with full fuel load and passengers and cargo (known as useful load). It is also capable of flying in and out of short, grass runways, so many of the UK's smaller airfields can be departure points and it can land nearer where you want to go, and is not restricted to larger airports. In many countries, this versatility makes the PC-12 ideal for flying doctor operations where many executive aircraft could not cope with the environment. Its cockpit is like a modern airliner with screens for the pilot to fly, navigate and communicate from rather than the older and traditional instrumentation. The other popular feature of the PC-12 is that it has a toilet on board offering full privacy. This is all delivered by the factory, with a choice of external livery and interior furnishings. 

“Its success is based on the fact that as a package, the PC-12 still has an unrivalled place in the world aircraft market that “flies” within a niche of its own,” says Edwin Brenninkmeyer. “Over 1300 PC-12s have been sold since 1994 worldwide. If you take a look at one you will soon see why it is such an appealing classic, yet practical design.”