BROOMFIELD, Colo. -- Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd handed over the first production PC-24 twin jet to U.S.-based PlaneSense. The aircraft is the first of six PC-24s which PlaneSense has on order with Pilatus.

On hand for the delivery was Pilatus CEO Markus Bucher, who personally handed over the keys to the first PC-24, serial number 101. He said, "We’ve been eagerly working toward this moment since the conception of this innovative new jet a decade ago."

Since 1996, PlaneSense has successfully specialized in offering fractional ownership transportation service with the single-engine turboprop PC-12. It currently operates 36 PC-12s and will use the PC-24 to expand its product offering to new and existing customers.

In addition to the larger cabin and faster speed, PlaneSense will take advantage of the PC-24’s unique cargo door, short field performance, and ability to land on grass runways to access locations which traditional business jets are unable to use. The company flies in and out of smaller airports with the PC-12, and it believes that the PC-24 is the only jet that will be able to access many of these same airports.

With the larger and faster PC-24, PlaneSense can provide an additional option for clients seeking greater speeds, seating for more passengers, and the ability to access islands such as Bermuda. The PC-24 will serve PlaneSense clients throughout the United States, Canada, Bermuda, The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and beyond.

PlaneSense pilots were among the first class to earn type ratings in the PC-24 at FlightSafety International’s Dallas Learning Center, where the first full-motion, Level-D, PC-24 simulator is based. FlightSafety is also the official provider of PC-24 maintenance training, and is already conducting courses with PlaneSense and Authorized Pilatus Service Center personnel as part of an integrated and comprehensive entry into service program.

When the first in the world production PC-24 jet arrives at PlaneSense, it will complete FAA requirements and then begin a short tour of the U.S. and international locations to highlight its capabilities for current and potential future fractional aircraft share owners.

Source: Pilatus