Pilatus enjoys some success with positive 2009 results

The Swiss manufacturer released its 2009 figures this week and heralded the UAE deal as a major influence on making it a a better year than the company feared

“Although these figures reflect a successful performance overall, the volume of orders for business aircraft has fallen, and incoming orders remain sluggish. In autumn 2009,” said chairman Oscar Schwenk  

Pilatus was obliged to introduce short-time working for part of its workforce. This measure was lifted in early 2010, and there are plans to recruit a further 100 staff by the end of this year.

The largest order in the history of Pilatus came when the United Arab Emirates decided to go with Pilatus again in mid-November of last year. As an existing customer with a fleet of 31 Pilatus PC-7s, the UAE has now opted for the PC-21 training system. The total order for 25 aircraft is worth over CHF 500 million.

Meanwhile for business aviation, Pilatus says the global financial and economic crisis impacted on sales of business aircraft, resulting in cancellations and a slowdown in the order flow.

‘Good planning and a full order book ensured we delivered a record number of 100 PC-12 NGs   including the 900th PC-12 to an existing customer in the USA.

Schwenk says it will be a tough 2010. “We have not yet seen the back of the global financial and economic crisis. Every possible effort is being made to win new orders, but the situation remains

challenging. We must now focus our attention on securing sales of the PC-12 NG this year and next. There will also be a major milestone to celebrate midway through the year: delivery of our 1000th PC-12.’