Pilatus, the Swiss manufacturer of the PC-12 single-engine turboprop and PC-24 Super Versatile Jet, has inked a deal to develop a factory-owned flagship sales, design and service centre in Bradenton, Florida.
In a ceremony at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ), Pilatus executives and Airport Authority officials signed an agreement to develop 17 acres on the north side of the airport for Pilatus to construct a new sales and service facility. The new customer centre will initially employ more than 50 people to manage aircraft sales, service, design and delivery of Pilatus aircraft in the Southeastern United States. The USA is Pilatus’ largest market for its business aircraft.
The initial development will include 54,000ft² dedicated to maintenance activity, spare parts distribution and new aircraft deliveries, plus an additional 17,000ft² of workshops, office and administrative space. The facility is expected to be operational by mid-2026. Future growth plans for Pilatus’ Bradenton location include final assembly for aircraft delivering to North and South America and may ultimately employ up to 300 people.
Thomas Bosshard, president and CEO of Pilatus Business Aircraft, stated: “We are very excited to take this significant growth step to support our customers with an outstanding ownership experience.”
Justin Lazzeri, CEO of Pilatus’ sales and service centre for the US East Coast added: “Our new facility in Bradenton will be a showcase for ‘Pilatus Class’ sales and service, and will be a flagship store that will serve as a model for our global network of authorised Pilatus sales and service centres.”
Rick Piccolo, president and CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, stated: “We are thrilled to partner with Pilatus. This agreement marks a significant milestone in the economic development not only of the airport, but also the region. This endeavour involves a substantial investment of tens of millions of dollars in facility development, which will result in the creation of over 300 skilled positions, offering lucrative opportunities and making a significant economic impact. Given the previously announced commitment by Manatee Technical College to build an Airframe & Powerplant school on the airport, this agreement will provide local employment opportunities for those graduates right here in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. Pilatus has expressed admiration for the airport’s planned Aviation Ecosystem, which includes education and training facilities.”
Sharon Hillstrom, president and CEO of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp, said: “The aviation ecosystem we offer in the Bradenton Area on Florida’s west coast is one-of-a-kind. Working with the team at the airport, we provide a world-class location for companies like Pilatus that are bringing capital investment and jobs to our community.”
Florida and the US East Coast represent the highest concentration of Pilatus aircraft operations, sales and service activity in the world. In 2022, more than 6,200 Pilatus flight operations were conducted in the state of Florida alone.
The construction of the new Bradenton facility is part of a larger company strategy to support the growing fleet of more than 2,250 Pilatus aircraft already based in North and South America. The design of the facility and the customer experience best practices will be shared with the global network of independent Pilatus authorised sales and service centres so that owners and operators of Pilatus aircraft worldwide enjoy a consistent ownership experience.
