Versatile. Safe. Reliable. Proven. These are the words that come to mind when operators describe the Pilatus PC-12. It’s no wonder that people around the world trust this aircraft to fly their families, employees, customers, and critical cargo. Add comfort, quality, efficiency, and time savings to the list, and it becomes clear why this is the world’s most popular single-engine business aircraft.
With high residual values, low operating costs, and a track record of more than seven million safe flight hours across 1,700+ aircraft, the PC-12 has built a reputation as one of the most solid investments in business aviation. To sum it up in one word? Iconic.
Built in Switzerland, the Pilatus PC-12 features a larger cabin, longer range, and lower operating costs than nearly any jet in its class. It can cruise at 300 MPH at 30,000 feet and still take off and land from short runways—something unprecedented in private aviation.
Because of its runway agility, the PC-12 has access to far more airports than commercial airlines or jets. It features 40 cubic feet of luggage space and more cabin room than aircraft like the King Air 250 or the Citation Mustang. Oh, and yes—it comes with a fully enclosed lavatory.
You get to bring what you want, stretch out in a spacious cabin, take off closer to home, and land closer to your destination. That’s more time for what matters.
Many pilots aim to fly nonstop over a 1,000-mile trip—the distance from New York to South Florida, Chicago to Miami, or Atlanta to Aspen—and they want to do it with family, friends, and gear on board.
A bunch of airplanes can handle this trip downwind, or on that rare “no wind” flight planning day. But very few can fly it upwind, every time, especially during winter when wind speeds at altitude can exceed 100 knots. And even fewer can do it while carrying a full payload.
The exception? The Pilatus PC-12 NG.
This single-engine turboprop reliably carries at least 1,200 pounds of payload over 1,000 miles—even into the strongest headwinds. And it does it at a cruise speed of 260 knots, not a slower long-range setting. Why? Because it has over 1,500 miles of still-air range with a full load. That means it can almost span the country downwind, and go coast-to-coast upwind with just one stop.
Range is great—but let’s talk about comfort.
In aviation, there’s a saying: an airplane can “outfly its cabin.” That is, the passengers tap out long before the fuel runs low. Pilots may be okay with tight quarters, but most travelers want space, a usable lavatory, snacks, and the freedom to move.
Here again, the PC-12 stands out.
The cabin is nearly 17 feet long and 5 feet wide, with 4 feet 10 inches of headroom. It includes a private lavatory and offers in-flight access to luggage stored in the rear of the cabin. It rivals—if not beats—some midsize business jets in range and passenger comfort.
What makes all of this possible is a bold engineering decision: one engine.
By eliminating a second engine, the PC-12 avoids the added weight, drag, fuel burn, and maintenance costs—allowing it to deliver more range and payload with better economics. In fact, the closest twin-turboprop competitor falls hundreds of miles short in range when carrying the same payload, and it costs at least a million dollars more.
This efficient, thoughtful design makes the PC-12 a smart pick for private travelers who want performance without compromise.
When Swiss engineers at Pilatus developed the PC-12 in the early 1990s, their goal wasn’t just private luxury—it was unmatched utility. That’s why it features a large cargo door, rough-runway-capable landing gear, and a tough fuselage that can take a beating.
In fact, its earliest adopters were physicians in Australia who flew into the outback to serve remote communities. But once U.S. pilots saw its potential, they began flying missions that other aircraft simply couldn’t handle.
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