Qatar Emiri Air Force orders two Pilatus PC-24 super versatile jets
Pilatus PC-24 light business jet takes off from unpaved runway. |
Qatar Emiri Air Force is to field a pair of Pilatus PC-24 light busines jets, the Swiss manufacturer revealed in its annual results report on April 22. The deal, which was originally signed in November last year, also includes a five-year support contract to provide on-site technical assistance.
With this order, the Qatar Emiri Air Force will become the second military customer for the PC-24 after the Swiss Air Force. The service plans to use the aircraft for VIP transportation and pilot training.
Qatar Emiri Air Force Academy commander-general Eisa Rashid Al-Mohannadi said: “Our Pilatus PC-21 trainer fleet has been the backbone of our pilot training system for the past six years. Based on this good experience, we have decided to use the PC-24 to provide advanced training to our multi-engine crews, and also for VIP transportation.”
Pilatus regards the PC-24 as the world’s first Super Versatile Jet. “It’s the only aircraft combining the versatility of a turboprop with the cabin size of a medium-light jet, and the performance of a light jet. It’s a plane that simply doesn’t fit into any of the existing business jet categories. That’s why we had to create a new one: the Super Versatile Jet (SVJ) category. The PC-24 has been engineered to be “off-road” compatible from the beginning. Its outstanding short-field performance – even on unpaved runways – opens up an incredible level of mobility,” the company says.
With this order, the Qatar Emiri Air Force will become the second military customer for the PC-24 after the Swiss Air Force. The service plans to use the aircraft for VIP transportation and pilot training.
Qatar Emiri Air Force Academy commander-general Eisa Rashid Al-Mohannadi said: “Our Pilatus PC-21 trainer fleet has been the backbone of our pilot training system for the past six years. Based on this good experience, we have decided to use the PC-24 to provide advanced training to our multi-engine crews, and also for VIP transportation.”
The order for the PC-24 from Qatar marks a new milestone for a very young program. Just six years after its first flight, which took place in May 2015, the company has already delivered its 100th PC-24 at the end of 2020. With 24 deliveries last year, the aircraft is part of Pilatus's 2020 highlights along with the order for 24 PC -21 trainer aircraft from Spain.
👉 You may also like: First Spanish Air Force Pilatus PC-21 makes maiden flight
Written by Matteo Sanzani
No comments
All comments related to the contents of our articles are welcome. It is not allowed to post promotional messages, links to external sites, or references to activities not related to this blog.