Pilatus is to discontinue production of its Porter PC-6. The multi-role aircraft has been manufactured at Stans in Switzerland since 1959, where it is currently produced at a low volume of no more than 10 units a year. Following one of the longest production runs in business aviation, PC-6 assembly will cease in early 2019. Support will be provided for the next 20 years at least, ensuring ongoing operations.

Pilatus has produced a total of 500 PC-6s in Stans since 1959, while slightly fewer than 100 machines have also been manufactured in the USA under licence. The aircraft's STOL capability and versatility have earned it a reputation as an all-rounder. It 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 still not been bettered.

Chairman Oscar J Schwenk says: “I am proud that the PC-6 featured in the Pilatus product portfolio and it has earned us fame and recognition worldwide. But the time has come to take a dispassionate look at the facts and admit that every product has a life cycle that must come to an end sooner or later. That moment has arrived for the PC-6.

“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.”

The OEM will accept orders for the PC-6 until mid 2018 at the latest.