Pilatus has unveiled a PC-12 demonstrator with bodywork designed by Swiss painter Hans Erni.

The royal blue background of the aircraft is decorated with white horses, doves of peace and a depiction of Pegasus, all drawn by Erni. The animals were chosen to symbolise the PC-12 NG's credentials as a workhorse, while also underlining its flight characteristics.

Chairman Oscar J Schwenk then presented the artist with a model of the PC-12 as a souvenir of his work.

Says Schwenk: “This is the first time that such a well-known artist has been involved with the design of one of our aircraft. This aircraft is symbolic of an innovative Swiss company: Pilatus.

“We are proud that the name Hans Erni will be associated with our aircraft on its demo assignments in 2015, delighting our customers and fans on every continent.”

Pilatus has sold over 1,300 PC-12s since the aircraft was launched in 1994, making it one of the world's most popular turboprops.

Pilatus has also appointed Nesterov Aviation as a PC-12 sales and service centre for Russia.

Nesterov is a Russian aviation company with offices in St Petersburg and Moscow, with founders and staff having experience in premium private and corporate aviation, along with a passion for Swiss production.