Pilatus says that the 2018 business year was both “exceptionally successful” and “challenging”. Sales revenue was brought back over the billion mark for the first time since 2015, to CHF1.092bn (US$1.083bn), and 128 aircraft were delivered, including the first 18 PC-24s, 80 PC-12 NGs, 27 PC-21s and three PC-6s.
The operating result totals CHF157m (US$156m). Looking ahead, the current order volume stands at CHF2.1bn (US$2.08bn) – the equivalent of just under two years of sales revenue.
The delivery of the first PC-24 in February 2018 marked a milestone in a development phase that spanned more than 11 years. The jet was the focus of much work throughout 2018: besides bringing PC-24 series production operations up to speed, the customer service unit and entire service network also switched to live mode. Pilatus continued to make improvements to the PC-24 in parallel, pushing ahead with various post-certification test programs aimed at delivering all aircraft capabilities promised to customers at the outset. The company says the next milestone is just around the corner: the reopening of the PC-24 order book.
At the end of 2018, the Pilatus Group had 2,283 employees, including 127 apprentices. More than 150 new jobs were created. A total of 93% of Pilatus employees work in Switzerland. At the headquarters in Stans, Switzerland, work progresses on the construction of the new structure assembly hall, which should be commissioned in spring 2019.
Pilatus also opened a new completion center run by US subsidiary Pilatus Business Aircraft in Broomfield, Colorado. In Adelaide, preparatory work continued for the construction of a new, company-owned building for Pilatus Australia.
“I am pleased to note that financial 2018 was a very successful year for us,” said Oscar J Schwenk, chairman at Pilatus. “A year in which a great deal of energy went into performing much detailed work. Work which will take us forward throughout the coming year, creating added benefit for our customers. The good financial results of the past year will also benefit our employees under our profit-sharing program. In addition to an extra month’s salary, they have also been paid a bonus of 1.5 salaries. Our next challenge is already in sight: the imminent re-opening of the PC-24 order book. This is the year in which the reputation of the PC-24 and all other related services will be established. We are consistent in our efforts toward that goal, thereby consolidating our success and our future.”
Photo: Pilatus Aircraft
