German business jet operator Platoon Aviation has taken delivery of its six PC-24 mid-size jet from Pilatus Aircraft.
With the latest handover of Super Versatile Jet, serial number 306, the German charter operator has grown its fleet to six PC-24s within just three years.
Executive jets in Europe
At the AERO Friedrichshafen aviation show, Deniz Weissenborn, Managing Director of the Hamburg-based company Platoon Aviation, emphasised the unbroken demand for fast, direct connections to all European destinations:
“Besides business travel, holiday destinations in the south such as Nice, Olbia or Paris are particularly popular in the summer.”
“Our strategy of providing first-class service and the most spacious, most comfortable jet in its class, is a complete success.”
“Our customers appreciate the cabin size, otherwise only available in mid-size jets, and the comfortable, individually adjustable seats in the eight-person Executive configuration.”
“The PC-24’s generous cargo hold and large cargo door are a huge plus, especially for holiday travel. They allow cases and sports equipment to be easily and safely stowed in the cabin,” he concluded.
Also at the Aero Friedrichshafen event was Ignaz Gretener, VP General Aviation at Pilatus, who said that he was looking forward to expanding the business relationship with Platoon Aviation further in the near future.
“With its Europe-wide charter operation, Platoon offers a service which only the PC-24 can provide to perfection.”
“The ability to land at small, remote airfields with very short runways means faster, more direct travel and massive time savings for customers. Transfer times to the final destination can be significantly shortened.”
Pilatus PC-24
The Pilatus PC-24 is a twin-engine business jet aircraft manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft, a Swiss aerospace company. It is a versatile jet that can be used for a variety of missions, including corporate, charter, cargo, and air ambulance operations.
The PC-24 features a unique design, with a large cargo door and a spacious cabin that can accommodate up to 11 passengers.
It has a range of up to 2,000 nautical miles and can fly at a maximum speed of 489 knots. It is equipped with a state-of-the-art avionics suite and advanced safety systems, such as a terrain awareness and warning system, and a synthetic vision system.
Short field and unpaved runway performance
One of the key features of the PC-24 is highlighted in the comments of the Pilatus VP General Aviation.
A key feature of the aircraft is its ability to operate from short and unpaved runways, thanks to its rugged landing gear and powerful engines. This makes it ideal for accessing remote locations, such as small airports and airstrips in mountainous regions.
The PC-24 received certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2017 and from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2018. It has been received well by industry and gained positive reviews from pilots and passengers alike for its performance, comfort, and versatility.
Platoon Aviation
Platoon Aviation further build on their foundation with the induction of the new aircraft. The charter company’s boasts a young and well-trained team.
The company cites the new acquisition as another important milestone in its as yet brief history, since certification as an independent air operator (AOC) was only obtained in December 2022.
Since its founding in March 2021, the German business jet operator has grown to 50 employees and has 35 pilots under contract.
