Pilatus Acquires US Sales and Service Centre Skytech Inc

LONDON – Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus has further increased its stakeholding in the US market with this week’s announcement of the acquisition of American aircraft sales and service company Skytech Inc.

Founded in 1976, Skytech Inc. is a specialist service provider and aircraft vendor operating from two locations in the US states of Maryland and South Carolina.

As part of an upcoming succession plan, Pilatus has decided to take over Skytech, and the entire workforce of 120 or so will continue to be employed under the Swiss aircraft manufacturer.

Independent Pilatus sales & service centre

Skytech has a long prior connection with Pilatus, having operated as a Pilatus independent Authorised Sales & Service Centre since 1993.

With a successor now due to replace co-founder and owner John Foster, Pilatus has decided to acquire its partner of many years.

The business will continue to operate as an independent company with responsibility for servicing and sales of PC-24s and PC-12s on the East Coast, as well as aircraft types from other manufacturers.

The Skytech brand will also remain intact. The current Skytech CEO, Justin Lazzeri, will lead the company into the future with his team, which includes many long-serving employees. Both business locations in Rock Hill (South Carolina) and Baltimore (Maryland) are included in the purchase.

Pilatus expansion in the USA

This new acquisition will allow Pilatus to further expand its direct involvement in the US market. The American market is recognised to be of great importance to the Swiss company.

To this end, Pilatus already has a Colorado-based subsidiary, Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd, which has been in operation for the past 26 years.

Acting as a general importer and completion centre for North and South America, the subsidiary is also responsible for managing Pilatus’ Authorised Sales & Service Centre network, marketing and final assembly work.

Direct aircraft sales to fleet and government customers are also handled through the Colorado operation.

Assisted by its other sales and service partners, Pilatus intends to use the acquisition of Skytech to ensure and further improve the continuity and quality of its customer services on the East Coast of the USA.

Management statement

Speaking on the occasion of the signing of this week’s acquisition contract, Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, said:

“The US market is very important for us. It is essential that Pilatus continues to expand its ‘footprint’. Through this acquisition, we aim to live up to our claim: ‘We create the Pilatus Class!’”

“I’m delighted to have the company and its staff on board with us – Welcome to the Family!”

Earlier this year, the manufacturer opened a new state-of-the-art paint facility at its US Completions Centre in Broomfield, Colorado. The facility was established to meet increasing demand for the manufacturer’s PC-24 jet and PC-12 NGX turboprop aircraft.