Following EASA’s approval of single-engine turbine aircraft for commercial operations on 1 March 2017, Pilatus is predicting a spike in PC-12 and PC-12NG numbers. The PC-12 has been in successful commercial use for years in other parts of the world for business, medical transport and cargo flights.

Ignaz Gretener, VP of general aviation at Pilatus, comments: “CAT SET-IMC will make it possible to develop new routes in Europe. The decision by EASA provides an incentive for aircraft operators in Europe to replace older aircraft with new, safer, more environmentally friendly single-engine turbine aircraft such as the PC-12. With its short take-off and landing capacities, the PC-12 will also fly closer to the desired destination. We are confident that we will soon see a large number of additional PC-12s providing good service in Europe.”

This ruling by EASA means that the PC-12 can now be operated commercially at night, and under instrument flight rules, across all 32 EASA member states (Commercial Air Transport Single-Engine Turbine in Instrument Metrological Conditions, CAT SET-IMC).

A spacious, comfortable cabin, high loading capacity and large cargo door are some of the features that are attractive to European operators. The aircraft also has a range that is sufficient to cover all of Europe, plus low operating and maintenance costs compared to twin-engine aircraft. All of this makes it a tempting proposition for European charter.

A number of operators in Europe are already flying CAT SET-IMC operations using a PC-12 after receiving approval from their national aviation authorities. These include Hendell Aviation in Finland and AMC Aviation in Poland. Voldirect in France also received approval to fly SET CAT in 2013 using its fleet of TBMs and a PC-12.