Thilo Gros Answers Questions
When it comes to the development, design, and manufacture of aircraft, there is no room for error—and certainly not during operation. How do you ensure this zero-defect process?
We fully comply with the requirements of the certification authorities and even maintain additional, very high quality standards. Every step in the production process is monitored and inspected multiple times. “Safety first” is our motto at PILATUS—meaning we strive to achieve the highest possible safety standards. Our aircraft have an exceptional safety record, as the statistics show.
How many different aircraft models does PILATUS offer?
We have four models in our portfolio: the legendary PC-12, the best-selling single-engine turboprop aircraft in its class; the PC-7 MKX; and the PC-21, along with the corresponding simulators and market-leading training systems for pilot training. The brand-new PC-24 is the world’s first business jet capable of operating on short natural runways.
How many aircraft do you produce and sell each year?
In 2022, we delivered 133 aircraft. Overall, 2022 was one of the most successful years in PILATUS’s history. All aircraft are developed and built in Switzerland.
Is every airplane actually fueled with kerosene?
No, aircraft with piston engines, for example, use conventional fuel. PILATUS aircraft are fueled exclusively with kerosene, as we use turboprop or turbofan engines. Our aircraft are also certified to operate on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
How long does it take to develop, design, and manufacture an aircraft?
The PC-24 is our most recently developed aircraft. Its development, design, and certification took over ten years. Assembling a production aircraft takes about six months. When you factor in all production steps—including the manufacture of individual parts—we’re talking about approximately 1.5 years.
Can your customers also choose optional equipment—just like with a car?
Yes! Of course, customer preferences are very important to us, and customers can customize their aircraft. We offer a wide range of options—from avionics software and hardware to premium materials such as leather or burl wood, as well as countless interior color options.
How often do your customers buy a new aircraft?
We have many customers in general aviation who buy a new PILATUS aircraft every 5–6 years. They always want the latest model. However, our aircraft are built to last at least 30 years, and we provide support throughout the entire lifecycle of a PILATUS aircraft.
What was the most unusual custom feature a customer has ever requested from you?
A PC-12 with a Leonardo da Vinci design, for example. For a South African customer, we built a PC-12 featuring hand-painted images on the fuselage. And there was a customer who wanted sunflowers on his blue aircraft. True to our motto (“Customer first”), we fulfill our customers’ wishes whenever possible—even the most unusual ones!
How many of your employees have a pilot’s license?
The fascination with flying is, of course, widespread among our staff as well. Anyone who works with such magnificent aircraft every day can hardly help but dream of taking to the skies themselves.
At PILATUS, we offer our employees various opportunities to do just that. In addition to employee flights through the Swiss Alps, there’s also a PILATUS paragliding club and a powered flight group. Through the latter, PILATUS employees can also obtain a pilot’s license at a discounted rate. I don’t know exactly how many have the license, though.
Do you still fly yourself on vacation, or do you now travel only by car, bus, train, or boat?
I work and live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Lake Lucerne, surrounded by the Pre-Alps and the Alps, offers me—as a nature lover—so much, both after work and on vacation, that I often don’t have to go far to feel at ease. If I do happen to travel farther afield and leave Europe, I still enjoy flying on vacation, of course. For short distances, I prefer to take the train or drive.
