Press Release

Issued by Oriens Aviation.

April 10, 2017

Biggin Hill based Oriens Aviation, the UK and Ireland new aircraft sales distributor for the Swiss manufactured Pilatus PC-12 NG, has confirmed that it contributed three sales to ensure that the manufacturer could claim that aircraft was the top selling single engine turbine aircraft sold in 2016. A total of 91 PC-12 NGs were delivered worldwide.

Oriens CEO Edwin Brenninkmeyer says that interest in the UK for the nine seat, five million USD Pilatus PC-12 has regained momentum following the disappearance of a UK based distributor in 2014.

For the first time in the PC-12's 23 years of safe operation, the new legislation introduced in March will now permit the UK based commercial operators to offer for charter the luxurious and economic PC-12 that so many private owners enjoy.

“We are being cautious in our prediction for sales this year but I can say that we have pre-ordered three already so that our customers can select interiors and their own choice of livery during factory visits,” said Edwin Brenninkmeyer. “In mid-2017, Pilatus will deliver the 1,500th PC-12. We hope that may be one of our sales!”

Oriens will be exhibiting the PC-12 at the Elite Jet set lifestyle event (11th -to13th May London Biggin Hill Airport.), Aero Expo (UK's Festival of Aviation 1st to 3rd June Wycombe Air Park) and will be a major sponsor at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (29th June to 2nd July Goodwood Airfield and Goodwood House).

“The PC-12's economical operating costs combined with its nine seat capacity, long range and versatility using short grass runways, will enable commercial aviation to flourish and emulate those in other European counties, the USA and other continents.”

Across the world, the PC-12 is used by flying doctor services and as surveillance aircraft by various government agencies.