Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus has announced plans to develop a flagship sales, design, and service center in Bradenton, Florida. The company, known for its popular PC-12 single-engine turboprop and PC-24 Super Versatile Jet, signed an agreement with Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ) officials to construct the facility on 17 acres of airport property.

The new Customer Center, set to be operational by mid-2026, will initially create over 50 jobs in the region. It will manage aircraft sales, service, design, and delivery operations for Pilatus in the Southeastern United States, which represents the company’s largest market for business aircraft.

The development will include 54,000 square feet for maintenance activities, spare parts distribution, and new aircraft deliveries. An additional 17,000 square feet will be dedicated to workshops, offices, and administrative space. Pilatus has indicated potential future expansion plans, including final assembly for aircraft destined for North and South America, which could increase employment at the site to 300 people.

“We are very excited to take this significant growth step to support our customers with an outstanding ownership experience.”

Thomas Bosshard, President and CEO of Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd

“Our new facility in Bradenton will be a showcase for ‘Pilatus Class’ sales and service, and will be a flagship store that will serve as a model for our global network of Authorized Pilatus Sales and Service Centers.”

Justin Lazzeri, CEO of Pilatus’ Sales and Service Center for the U.S. East Coast

“We are thrilled to partner with Pilatus. This agreement marks a significant milestone in the economic development not only of the airport, but also the region. This endeavor involves a substantial investment of tens of millions of dollars in facility development, which will result in the creation of over 300 skilled positions, offering lucrative opportunities and making a significant economic impact. Given the previously announced commitment by Manatee Technical College to build an Airframe & Powerplant school on the airport, this agreement will provide local employment opportunities for those graduates right here in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. Pilatus has expressed admiration for the airport’s planned Aviation Ecosystem, which includes education and training facilities.”

Rick Piccolo, President and CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport

“The aviation ecosystem we offer in the Bradenton Area on Florida’s west coast is one-of-a-kind. Working with the team at the airport, we provide a world-class location for companies like Pilatus that are bringing capital investment and jobs to our community.”

Sharon Hillstrom, president and CEO of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp.

Florida and the U.S. East Coast boast the highest concentration of Pilatus aircraft operations globally. In 2022 alone, over 6,200 Pilatus flight operations were conducted in Florida, underscoring the strategic importance of the location.

This new facility is part of a broader company strategy to support its growing fleet of more than 2,250 aircraft based in the Americas. Pilatus intends to use the Bradenton center as a model for customer experience best practices, which will be shared with its global network of independent Authorized Sales and Service Centers.

The investment aims to ensure a world-class ownership experience for Pilatus customers and solidify the company’s commitment to its largest market. As the facility takes shape, it is expected to become a significant hub for Pilatus’ operations in the Western Hemisphere.

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Images courtesy of Pilatus