Turnover And Operating Profits Set New Mark

Pilatus has reported an increase in revenues and profit for 2011 despite the slow business aircraft market.  The company reported an increase in turnover by almost 14% to $858 million, with a corresponding operating profit up nearly 23% to $118 million. Incoming orders were up slightly from the previous year at $457 million, allowing an increased investment in research & development of $73.4 million.

Sixty percent of the company's revenue for the year came from military trainers; an order from the UAE accounted for 16 of 25 PC-21s on order plus virtually all training and simulator systems. Additionally, five
PC7 MkII aircraft were ordered by the Botswana Defense Force and will be delivered at the end of 2012.

Pilatus' standout product, the PC-12 turboprop saw deliveries of 44 aircraft to customers in North and South America. Overall, weak sales highlighted the slow global market for business aircraft. 2009's total of 100 PC-12s was reduced to 63 aircraft in 2011, which was still a good showing given difficult market conditions. Last year the PC-12 ranked 2nd in terms of best-selling turboprop aircraft. Additionally, readers of Professional Pilot Magazine voted Pilatus into first place for the tenth consecutive year for best customer service in the turboprop business aircraft category. Pilatus' legendary PC-6 STOL aircraft accounted for six sales in 2011, and having earned certification in China and Brazil the path has been cleared for further sales in those countries.

Chairman/CEO Oscar J. Schwenk warns about 2012 being a challenging year with the market still in recovery mode, but he remains upbeat. The company is continuing development on its new project, the PC-24.

FMI: www.pilatus-aircraft.com