Why the Pilatus PC-12 NGX Continues to Defy Market Norms
In recent memory, only a few aircraft models have generated such high demand that they traded above MSRP on the pre-owned market. The first example that comes to mind is the Gulfstream G650. If you held an early G650 delivery slot in 2013 or 2014, you were essentially sitting on a gold mine. You were able to sell it for several million dollars over its original price.
The second aircraft that fits this rare category is the Pilatus PC-12 NGX. First delivered in 2020, the NGX has consistently commanded prices above its original MSRP and continues to do so today. What sets the NGX apart is that its value has not only held steady, but actually appreciated over time. Early models traded at 100–105% of their new delivery price, and peaked around 130% during the height of demand. While values have stabilized, most NGXs still trade around 110% of their original sticker price.
So, what makes the NGX so desirable—and why does it command such a premium?
1. Pilatus doesn’t overproduce:
This is not just a manufacturing decision; it’s a cultural one. Precision, quality, and long-term value are deeply embedded in the Swiss approach to craftsmanship.
2. Pilatus maintains pricing integrity:
Pilatus doesn’t discount new aircraft. This disciplined pricing strategy plays a key role in supporting strong residual values on the secondary market.
3. Persistent backlog drives demand:
There simply aren’t enough aircraft to meet demand. Dealers consistently have more qualified buyers than airplanes. Thus, lead times for new orders stretch for years. Unlike some of its competitors in Wichita, Kansas, Pilatus doesn’t have the desire nor the infrastructure to wipe out its backlog.
The NGX Market Today
- Only 2 aircraft are currently available in the U.S.—that’s just 0.7% of the U.S. fleet.
- 3 additional aircraft are under contract, all of which were pending within a week of being listed. JetSwiss was involved in all 3!
Looking Ahead
Here’s what we know:
- There is a 3+ year lead time on new PC-12 PRO orders. Don’t believe it? Call your dealer and ask to place one.
- The list price of a PC-12 PRO is expected to approach $7 million by 2026, and this is before tariffs and added fees.
What This Means for Buyers
These dynamics of limited supply, consistent demand, and rising new aircraft pricing will continue to support strong pre-owned NGX values.
We’ve spoken with many prospective buyers who say they “refuse to overpay” for an NGX—defining “overpay” as paying more than original MSRP. But here’s the reality: if that’s your mindset, you’re unlikely to own an NGX anytime soon.
If you’ve been following our data in The Pulse, you’ve seen the numbers. The market doesn’t lie. Our job is to interpret the trends, present the facts, and guide you through the process. In today’s environment, paying a fair market price for an NGX, or any aircraft for that matter, is a good purchase.
Understanding what “fair market value” really means can be challenging if you’re not immersed in the market daily. That’s where we come in.