Press Release

Issued by Balance Aviation.

September 16, 2022

Balance Aviation, the exclusive authorised Pilatus sales and service centre for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Greece, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, will present for the first time in the region the legendary single-engine turboprop Pilatus PC-12 NGX at the static display during Athens Flying Week (AFW) 2022. The event is taking place September 17−18, 2022 at Tanagra Air Force Base in Athens, Greece.

The latest addition to the iconic range of Swiss-made Pilatus PC-12 turboprops will be presented to the general public for the first time in Greece. In this modification the aircraft has been in production since 2020, with the active fleet of PC-12 NGXs worldwide now standing at 174 units.

All Pilatus aircraft are noted for their low operating costs and unique runway characteristics, which allow them to land on short and unpaved runways. This is especially relevant in Greece, where about 30% of all airports have such runways.

"In Greece, we see a good future for modern, reliable, versatile and cost-effective aircraft like the Pilatus PC-12 NGX and PC-24 twinjet. According to our estimates, the business aviation fleet in the country today totals about 30 aircraft, and a good number of them are turboprops. I am confident that Greek companies and private owners will appreciate the capabilities of the Pilatus aircraft while renewing and expanding their fleet, especially since the current economic upturn in the country is conducive to this," said Pambos Kyritsis, regional sales director at Balance Aviation.

The PC-12 NGX features a host of new features that boost its efficiency, comfort and safety of operation compared to the previous generation. Accommodating up to nine passengers depending on configuration, the PC-12 NGX has a top speed of 537 km/h and can go as far as 3,426 km without refuelling. A unique distinguishing feature of all PC-12 aircraft is their wide 1.35 х 1.32 m cargo door that opens right into the cabin.

The PC-12 NGX is fitted with a full-authority digital engine control system (FADEC), while a new engine mode helps reduce cabin noise. The engine fuel heating system eliminates the need for special fuel additives, and the fully integrated Pratt & Whitney PT6E-67XP engine thrust control system reduces pilot workload, improves efficiency and extends maintenance intervals. The new modification also offers upgrades to the interior, bigger windows and reduced cabin noise levels.