Pilatus Aircraft Expanding United States Footprint The majority of Pilatus Aircraft's facilities are in Stans, Switzerland and has a United States presence already at Broomfield, Colorado but the airframer is now set to invest and expand even further in the U.S. In the short term the airframer wants to establish a sales and service facility at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ) in Florida. In the long-term Pilatus is looking at an assembly plant at the same location! 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 state-of-the-art sales and service facility. The new Customer Center will initially employ more than 50 people to manage aircraft sales, service, design and delivery of Pilatus aircraft in the Southeastern United States. The U.S. is Pilatus' largest market for its business aircraft, this investment is being made to ensure a world-class ownership experience for Pilatus customers.
The initial development will include 54,000 square feet dedicated to maintenance activity, spare parts distribution and new aircraft deliveries, plus an additional 17,000 square feet 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.
Florida and the U.S. 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 move to expand in this area is more strategic on the part of Pilatus Aircraft and is an investment into the future.
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 endeavor 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." For more information: Pilatus Aircraft Ltd Stans, Switzerland www.pilatus-aircraft.com ***
