Pilatus PC-24 Light Business Jet: Key Specifications and Military Operators
Why It MattersMilitary adoption by France and Qatar alongside civilian medevac fleets signals the light-jet segment expanding beyond business transport into government and emergency-services roles.
The Pilatus PC-24 is a Swiss light business jet developed by Pilatus Aircraft, first flown on 11 May 2015 from Buochs Airport, Switzerland, after being formally introduced on 21 May 2013 at EBACE in Geneva. It received EASA and FAA type certification on 7 December 2017, with the first customer delivery to PlaneSense on 7 February 2018. Approximately 100 units have been produced, with an estimated unit price of $12 million.
Powered by two Williams FJ44-4A turbofan engines, the aircraft reaches a maximum speed of 787 km/h and an operational range of 3,700 km, with a service ceiling of 13,716 m. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 8,005 kg and carries up to ten passengers plus one or two pilots, using the Honeywell Primus Epic 2 avionics system designed for single-pilot operation.
As of 2026, two air forces operate the PC-24 militarily: France, with 2 aircraft assigned to the 57S unit at Landivisiau replacing the Falcon 10 Mer and a third due by 2027, and Qatar, with 2 aircraft flown by the Qatar Emiri Air Force for governmental transport. Indonesia has 12 aircraft on order. Civilian operators include Australia's Royal Flying Doctor Service, which uses the type as air ambulances, and Sweden's Svenskt Ambulansflyg, which operates six PC-24s for medical evacuation.
