US operator Tradewind Aviation has accepted delivery of its first PC-12 NGX during a ceremonial handover at the Pilatus US subsidiary in Broomfield, Colorado. The delivery marks the first of 20 PC-12 NGXs to be delivered to Tradewind’s headquarters in Oxford, Connecticut, over the next five years.

Pilatus and Tradewind Aviation executives gathered to celebrate the milestone at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan airport. Tradewind co-founder and chief marketing officer David Zipkin says: “We’re thrilled to take delivery of the first of 20 brand new PC-12 NGX aircraft. Tradewind is the largest US operator of Pilatus PC-12s for private charter, and these new aircraft will further expand our ability to grow and serve our clients with the very best flight experience. The PC-12 NGX provides the perfect balance of efficiency, comfort and superior performance for shorter flights and hard-to-reach destinations, allowing our clients to save precious time and focus on what’s most important to them.”

Pilatus president and CEO Thomas Bosshard says: “The PC-12 continues to lead the industry as the global fleet approaches 2,000 aircraft and 10 million flight hours. The demand remains very strong among new and returning customers looking to upgrade. Our customers, especially fleet and charter operators, value the PC-12 NGX’s reliability, performance and elevated passenger experience.”

Tradewind Aviation co-founder and president Eric Zipkin adds: “I am proud of all that the team at Tradewind have been able to accomplish in the past 20 years. From humble beginnings with a single plane, we have grown to a fleet of 23 and a team of over 220, firmly establishing Tradewind as the leader in so many premium markets, including the northeast US and Caribbean. The continued investment in and expansion of our Pilatus fleet is evidence of Tradewind’s continued growth and increased demand for private charter, and we are thankful to our loyal guests and team for making this possible.”