While much has changed since the PC-12 was first manufactured in 1995, a great deal has remained the same. We still have that beautiful Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67 powering this machine. We still have the same 5-foot by 4-foot, 10-inch cross-section. We still have the 30,000-foot ceiling. We still have the fully enclosed forward lavatory. We still have the proven and effective pneumatic de-ice boot system. And how about that ever-forgiving trailing-link landing gear?
While the aircraft has modernized over the years, its bones have remained unchanged. There’s an old saying, “Why fix it if it isn’t broken?” This certainly rings true with the PC-12.
When looking back at the history of the PC-12, it’s interesting to note how many aircraft were delivered each year:
- 1995 – 18 aircraft delivered in the first year.
- 2000 – By the turn of the century, Pilatus had ramped up to 62 aircraft.
- 2005 – In the final full year of the /45, Pilatus delivered 81 PC-12s.
- 2009 – 92 PC-12s were delivered in the first full year of NG production.
- 2016 – With the introduction of improved aerodynamic features, Pilatus delivered 87 aircraft.
- 2021 – In the first full year of NGX production, Pilatus delivered 90 aircraft.
- 2025 – Amid tariffs and a new model variant, Pilatus delivered 82 aircraft.
What I find particularly interesting is this: if you ask anyone in the industry, or anyone familiar with business aviation, the Pilatus PC-12 is more popular today than ever before. However, production levels have not increased accordingly. Why is that? It could be attributed to Swiss culture. It could be due to manufacturing limitations. It could reflect supplier capacity constraints. In reality, all of these factors likely play a role in determining how many aircraft are produced.
So, what effect does increased demand and popularity, combined with relatively stable production have on you, the PC-12 owner? Let’s look at residual values. In this example, we’ll focus on the residual value of a 10-year-old aircraft:
- 2010 – A 10-year-old aircraft averaged 70% of its original price
- 2015 – A 10-year-old aircraft averaged 82%
- 2020 – A 10-year-old aircraft averaged 82%
- 2025 – A 10-year-old aircraft averaged 97%
Historically, as the number of aircraft produced by Pilatus began to plateau, residual values began to increase. I find this observation fascinating. While external variables always influence market values, the underlying principles of supply and demand remain constant. As popularity and demand have increased, supply has not kept pace. As a result, the value of pre-owned aircraft has risen to meet market demand.
It’s a compelling phenomenon, one that often requires a rearview perspective, or even a helicopter view, to fully appreciate.
Small-batch production, full order books, and strong demand in the pre-owned market have long been the backbone of Pilatus. Will this continue into the future? Will the new facilities in Florida and Colorado impact the Pilatus business model? It’s reasonable to assume that, with investment in these new facilities, production will increase to some extent to meet global demand. And that’s a good thing. Pilatus is unlikely to abandon its roots or the philosophies upon which this aircraft was built. That culture is deeply ingrained in both the product and the people behind it. What these investments will do, however, is help relieve pressure on new deliveries, stabilize pre-owned values, expand parts production, and further strengthen the service network supporting this exceptional aircraft.
It’s always rewarding to look back at where it all began, analyze the aircraft’s growth, and consider what lies ahead. At JetSwiss, we see nothing but blue skies ahead for the PC-12.
Fly safe,
The JetSwiss Team