Press Release
Issued by Pilatus Aircraft.
August 28, 2017
Pilatus has announced that it is to discontinue production of the Pilatus Porter PC-6. This multi-role aircraft has been produced without interruption at Stans in Switzerland since 1959, currently in small numbers, i.e. ten machines per year at most. This makes the PC-6 is one of the world's longest-running production stories in the aviation industry but that will come to an end in early 2019 when production will be ceased. Support will be provided to existing customers for the next 20 years at least, thereby ensuring reliable ongoing PC-6 operations.
Pilatus has produced a total of 500 PC-6s in Stans since 1959. Slightly fewer than 100 machines were also produced in the USA under licence. The PC-6 delivered an international breakthrough for Pilatus: its short takeoff and landing capabilities and general versatility earned it worldwide fame and a reputation as a robust “all-rounder”. Amongst its many achievements, the Pilatus Porter has flown several cargo and passenger trips at maximum useful load to an altitude of 5,700 metres above sea level, a world record that has not been bettered even to this day.
The Pilatus name stands for “high tech” and the latest generation aircraft. In line with this philosophy, the company's products benefit from ongoing development to ensure they match the most recent standards. Due to the age of the PC-6 and other certification parameters, it is no longer possible to provide this ongoing development in the scope Pilatus would wish.
Also in connection with its PC-24 Super Versatile Jet, for which series production is currently gearing up in Stans, and which requires our full attention, Pilatus has decided that the PC-6 no longer fits its product portfolio and that, after 60 years, it is now time to cease production. Employees previously engaged on the PC-6 production line will be assigned to assembly work on other aircraft types.
Oscar J. Schwenk, chairman of the board of directors of Pilatus, comments: “I am proud that the PC-6 featured in the Pilatus product portfolio, this aircraft has earned us fame and recognition worldwide. But the time has now come to take a dispassionate look at the facts and admit that every product has a life cycle which must come to an end sooner or later. That moment has arrived for the PC-6. With an eye on the future, however, we now look forward to the imminent market launch of the PC-24 Super Versatile Jet, which embodies, and carries forward, all the original values of the PC-6.”
Pilatus will accept orders for the PC-6 latest until mid 2018 but the number of aircraft available is limited. Existing customers may depend on at least 20 years of support and spare parts for the PC-6, ensuring reliable continuing operations well into the future, in line with the Pilatus motto, “Customer First”.
