Oriens Aviation places first enhanced Pilatus PC-12 NGX in the UK
Oriens Aviation, the exclusive sales and service centre for Pilatus Aircraft in the British Isles, delivered the newest ‘third-generation’ Pilatus PC-12 NGX to a private customer based in North West England today, 30 July 2020. With its stylish executive six to eight-seat interior layout, the aircraft is ideal for business and leisure use.
“It is notable we have been able to conclude this delivery to a new Pilatus customer, considering the challenging environment we are all living through,” said Oriens Aviation CEO Edwin Brenninkmeyer, crediting the Pilatus’ team in Stans, Switzerland, the supply chain and other parties who were instrumental in pulling together, despite the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown.
The PC-12 NGX is the newest addition to the best-selling single-engined turboprop family. Three years in the making, the NGX was unveiled during last year’s NBAA Show. It features a raft of enhancements over the PC-12 NG centred on an improved Pratt & Whitney PT6E-67XP engine, electronic propeller and, (a first in its size category) - a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system. The cabin interior is modelled on the PC-24 Super Versatile Jet, in collaboration with BMW Designworks. With 10% more window area, the cabin is notably brighter and features more headroom, compared with the earlier PC-12 NG model. The executive version features fully reclining seats and improved lumbar comfort, while the NGX can also be outfitted with the latest in WiFi connectivity. A low-speed propeller mode delivers considerably reduced cabin noise for enhanced cabin comfort. An Advanced Cockpit Environment houses Honeywell’s Epic 2.0 avionics and a touchscreen avionics controller.
“The PC-12 NGX is an outstanding performance turboprop,” said Edwin, having recently concluded flight training on the aircraft himself. “It represents excellent value for money, with an up to 1,800 nm range and a maximum cruise speed of 290 knots. To date, 20 of the latest generation model have been sold worldwide, boosting the number of PC-12s flying worldwide to over 1,750.”
