Pilatus' PC-24 jet has performed its first landing on an unpaved runway at Woodbridge Airfield near Ipswich, UK. The aircraft is currently undergoing a series of post-certification tests and Pilatus hopes to obtain 'rough field' certification in the fourth quarter of 2018. It claims that once certified the PC-24 will provide access to twice as many airports worldwide compared to other jets currently on the market.

"What a picture; the PC-24 in the toughest conditions, using an unpaved runway for the first time." comments chairman Oscar Schwenk. "This sort of mission would not be conceivable without the aircraft's rugged landing gear, clever flap systems and special wing design. The PC-24 was designed with exactly this sort of operation in mind; Swiss engineering at its very best."

Since obtaining type certification on 7 December 2017, Pilatus has delivered five PC-24s to customers in Europe and the US. A total of 23 units are set to be delivered before the end of the year. The PC-24 order book is closed for the time being, but the manufacturer plans to accept new orders in 2019.

The sandy runway at former air force base Woodbridge was created in 2016 for the certification of the Airbus A400M.