ExecuJet is about to become the first company in Africa to operate a Pilatus PC-24. The aircraft will be based in South Africa at Cape Town International airport from October and ExecuJet will be responsible for its day-to-day management and operations on behalf of the owner.

The PC-24 received EASA and FAA type certification on 7 December 2017 and ExecuJet's will be able to reach Angola, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique from its home base while carrying up to six passengers.

Flying from the company's FBO at Lanseria International airport in Johannesburg, passengers can reach DRC, Tanzania, Kenya and Mauritius according to Pilatus.

VP Gavin Kiggen says: “Africa is the perfect environment for the PC-24 with its testing terrain and challenging runways, and we are honoured to be the first business aviation operator to manage the aircraft in the region. It’s a good choice for us because it is a light jet that we can place in Cape Town, where there is a shortage of such aircraft.

"It is also a great option because of its versatility, and it really helps that we have prior experience on the PC-12. We know the product and it is very reliable. The PC-24 is a natural evolution for Pilatus. It will work very well in our country, and is purpose-built in terms of lodge flying. If the owner wants to take it in to a dirt strip they can, so it fits really well into our market."

ExecuJet's PC-24 will also be available for charter and is expected to be deployed on a range of missions for tourists, governments and VIPs. "It has got a good interior with quick change options," adds Kiggen. "If you are looking to carry more freight, you can take two back seats out and expand the cargo area.

“There is a second one coming into the region and we have approached the owner with a view to managing it too. I am hoping that our experience with the PC-12 and now the PC-24 will enable us to be given that opportunity."

The operator is working closely with Pilatus to ensure a seamless entry into service and its future pilots, who have previously flown types including the King Air 200 and 350, PC-12, Learjet 45 and CJ2, are finalising type conversion at FlightSafety in Dallas. "We are very engaged with our CAA to start the process of first of type. When it is ready we plan to hold launch and introductory events at Lanseria and Cape Town where we will invite trade, media and prospective clients to come and experience the aircraft first-hand," Kiggen concludes.