Private jet membership company OpenSky has taken delivery of a PC-12 NGX, the first to fly in Japan. From now on, the single engine turboprop with its unique Asian-style design will carry passengers to destinations all over the country.

It was already evening when the PC-12 NGX arrived in the Japanese megacity of Osaka after its ferry flight from Switzerland. Even though no information was published in advance, numerous plane spotters outside the airport were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Swiss-made aircraft.

CEO Shigeto Honda says: “Our PC-12 NGX has gone viral since arriving in Japan. I've already flown several legs in the cabin and I'm very pleased. Our first customers to fly with the PC-12 told me they prefer it to the twin engine turboprop that they used before. The low-speed propeller mode delivers a significant reduction in cabin noise for great passenger comfort.”

The Japanese operator took delivery of a PC-24 Super Versatile Jet earlier this year, which it also uses to offer business flights, and has placed an order for a second PC-24 which will be delivered in autumn 2024.

Pilatus VP general aviation Ignaz Gretener adds: “Business customers all over the world appreciate the unique capabilities of the PC-12 NGX and the PC-24. The dynamic team at OpenSky understands how to deliver the premium service that will go hand in hand with these aircraft. Thank you very much to this outstanding Japanese company for its confidence in Pilatus, and we are proud that our aircraft now have an opportunity to prove themselves in this important market.”

The PC-12 NGX features an all-new interior by BMW Designworks, larger cabin windows inspired by the PC-24 and passenger seats that convert to a flat bed. The new PT6 E-Series engine by Pratt & Whitney Canada is equipped with an electronic propeller and engine control system. New avionics functions by Honeywell such as touchscreen control, tactile feedback and propeller low speed mode as well as fully integrated automatic thrust management (autothrottle) are just a few of the features in the new cockpit.