Oriens Aviation, the exclusive
British Isles sales distributor for the PC-12 added to Pilatus Aircraft’s
excellent year in 2017, bringing five new aircraft into service with new
customers; selling its original demonstrator (G-RABB) and securing its first
new-build delivery position for 2018.
Oriens delivered an aircraft to a
private owner in Oxford in March; one to Leeds-based entrepreneur Neil Armstrong
in June, coinciding with the Goodwood Festival of Speed and a third to Chris
Makin, owner of newly named Leeds East Airport, in December. Ravenair is this
aircraft’s operator and management company, operating under EASA PART-NCO Lease
Operations.
“Since securing the PC-12
distributorship in March 2015 we are pleased to have played a part in raising
product awareness of this ultra-versatile, best-selling, single-engined
turboprop, amongst business users and private individuals,” said CEO and owner
Edwin Brenninkmeyer,
who has personally logged over 4,000 hours’ flying time, undertaking over 150
demo flights last year.
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Oriens Aviation's demo
PC-12 was sold to a private buyer in January. |
“The interest in the PC-12
continues to grow. Its versatility, exclusivity, affordability, comfortable and
generous cabin makes it unmatched in its class,” added Oriens Sales Director
Craig Lammiman. He believes it will not be long before the aircraft is operating
on commercial charter IFR under an UK AOC.
Accordingly, Oriens Aviation is
ready to facilitate the process for entities seeking to get PC-12s on an AOC.
“As part of our responsibility for sales in the region and our closeness to
European PC-12 customers, we are well placed to play a facilitating and advisory
role for UK based commercial operators, or European PC-12 operators, and assist
any owners who may choose to put their aircraft under aircraft management and
gain revenue from charter,” Edwin Brenninkmeyer added.
Complementary MRO facility supports
operators
Furthermore, Oriens has
reinforced its commitment to the aircraft by setting up a dedicated Pilatus
Service Centre, following its recent acquisition of Avalon Aero’s London Biggin
Hill MRO. The business, newly renamed Oriens Maintenance Services Ltd, will be
formally introduced to customers, suppliers and industry guests, supported by
representatives from Pilatus, this week.
The Pilatus PC-12 can fly up to
eight passengers in a luxury pressurized cabin, for up to 1,800 miles, at 320
mph and at 30,000 feet. The PC-12 features a generous cargo door and can operate
from small airfields of 800 m, from gravel strips and grass, combining to make
it one of the most versatile and practical aircraft. It can carry more payload
than most for half the money.
With a price tag of USD 5
million, it can be a business aircraft / an air ambulance (able to convert
inside an hour) a cargo aircraft and everything in between. It also holds the
best residual value in its class, retaining 80% of its value after 10 years. The
PC-12 has operated in the Arctic Circle, the African Plains and is a regular
stable with Australia’s time crucial Flying Doctors. Its reputable single engine
Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turbine is a legendary workhorse.
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