Pilatus Aircraft has named Oriens Aviation as an authorised PC-12 sales and service centre for the British Isles. The company will be responsible for all future sales and maintenance of the PC-12 turboprop in this territory.

Sales and marketing director for Oriens Craig Lammiman has been selling aircraft for seven years with over twenty aircraft sold in the last four. Ceo Edwin Brenninkmeyer combines a business leadership background with 3,500 hours as a commercial and private aviator.

Brenninkmeyer states: "Oriens Aviation is delighted to be affiliated with a credible and recognised global brand, matching Swiss engineering with British entrepreneurship. With approximately 40 aircraft already imported into the UK and Ireland since 1994, the PC-12 is extremely popular in this market. Given its unique operating performance and capabilities, we fully expect it to remain a very attractive aircraft for many years to come.

"The British Isles have the highest number of airfields per square mile anywhere in Europe, many of which are grass strips and small runways. The PC-12 makes it possible to turn this opportunity into tangible and practical versatility. If the sport utility vehicle gave the people of the UK and Ireland motoring versatility then the PC-12 does the equivalent for the skies."

Ignaz Gretener, vp of general aviation at Pilatus adds: "We are delighted to add Oriens Aviation as a partner in the British Isles. The PC-12 has traditionally had a strong presence in the UK and we are convinced that Oriens will develop this tradition."