Hey there! Let’s talk about the Pilatus PC-24 – it’s a pretty cool plane that can carry 8 passengers. Think of it as a mix between a turboprop and a medium-light jet. Pilatus calls it the only “super versatile jet” out there, and for good reason!
About this aircraft
The PC-24 is like the cool big brother of the PC-12. It first showed up in 2013 and got the thumbs up from aviation authorities in 2017. Usually, it fits 8 people, but if you’re in a pinch, you can squeeze in an extra person in the bathroom (yep, really!). If you own one privately, you can even have a 10th person ride up front with the pilot – though that’s not allowed for charter flights.
This plane can fly pretty far – we’re talking 3,610 km without stopping. That means you could zip from London to Istanbul or New York to Dallas without breaking a sweat. And get this – it’s got a heated, pressurized baggage area you can access during the flight. You can fit up to 10 suitcases through what they call the world’s first standard pallet-sized cargo door on a business jet. Fancy, right?
Now, here’s the thing – by 2020, there were only about 75 of these planes out there. So if you’re trying to charter one at the last minute, it might be a bit tricky.
Interior design
The PC-24 is pretty roomy for its size. It’s got a flat floor (which is a big deal in plane world) and tons of space for you and your stuff. The back part of the cabin can be moved around, so you can add or take away seats super quick. Usually, it’s set up with eight seats facing each other or four seats facing forward at the back.
The inside was designed by BMW (yeah, the car folks!), so you know it’s going to be nice. We’re talking leather, fancy wood, and 13 big windows to look out of. The seats can recline and slide out for extra room. If you’re sitting across from a buddy, you can share a big table between you – perfect for snacks or getting some work done.
Fun facts before you fly
This plane is pretty special – it can land at airports with steep approaches, like London City Airport. It’s also one of the few business jets that can touch down on unpaved runways. That means it can get into about 21,000 airports around the world!
Even though it’s bigger and flies a bit lower than some other jets (like the Learjet 75), it usually uses less fuel. That could mean cheaper charter prices for you!
Tech stuff
The PC-24 has two engines on the back, and its wings are down low. In the cockpit, there are four big screens that show all sorts of important info. It’s got some cool features like a system that helps prevent collisions and another that makes it easier to land in tricky weather.
A bit of history
Pilatus started working on the PC-24 back in 2007. They wanted to make a plane that could land almost anywhere (like their PC-12) but go faster and farther. They showed it off for the first time in 2013 and took it for its first flight in 2015 from an airport in Switzerland.
By December 2017, it got the okay from aviation authorities in Europe and the US. The first customer got their plane just two months later. It can do all sorts of cool things, like land on short runways and even dirt and gravel!
Who makes it?
Pilatus is a Swiss company that’s been around since 1939. They started out fixing planes for the Swiss air force but soon began making their own. Their first plane was designed for flying in mountains like the Alps.
Over the years, they made planes for training fighter pilots and then branched out into passenger planes. The PC-12 was a big hit, and they delivered their 1000th one in 2010. People loved it so much, they asked for something similar that could go further and faster – and that’s how we got the PC-24!
Charter rates
The cost to charter a PC-24 can vary a lot. It depends on how long you want to fly and which airports you’re using. On average, you’re looking at about 3,600 USD per hour to rent one of these beauties. That might sound like a lot, but remember, you’re getting a top-notch flying experience!
How much does it cost?
Now, if you’re thinking about buying your own PC-24 (dream big, right?), here’s what you need to know. A brand spanking new Pilatus PC-24 will set you back about 9,000,000 USD. That’s the average price, but it can go up to around 11.2 million depending on how you want it kitted out.
But here’s a fun fact – if you’re okay with a pre-owned PC-24, you might be in for a pleasant surprise. The average price for a used one is about 920,000 USD. That’s a pretty big difference from a new one! Of course, the exact price depends on things like how old it is and what kind of shape it’s in. You might find some anywhere from 8.5 to 9.5 million USD.
Wet lease rates
If you’re looking to lease a PC-24 (that’s when you get the plane, the crew, maintenance, and insurance all in one package), the price can change based on a few things. How old is the plane? How long do you want it for? How many hours are you guaranteed to fly? It’s a great option if you want the PC-24 experience without the commitment of buying one outright!
