Pilatus PC-24: Redefining Versatility in Private Jet Charter.
A Pilatus PC-24 operating on a grass runway.
The private jet charter industry, characterised by luxury, speed, and exclusivity, often leaves little room for true versatility. Most aircraft either excel at connecting major business hubs or cater to the ultra-wealthy heading to glamorous, well-trodden destinations. But there is one jet, a remarkable piece of Swiss engineering, that refuses to conform to the industry’s rigid dichotomies: the Pilatus PC-24.
Neither strictly a business jet nor just a luxury flier for holidaymakers, the PC-24 is built for those who refuse to be limited by convention. Whether it’s gliding into London City Airport or deftly landing on an unpaved airstrip in the Australian Outback, this light jet has reshaped what’s possible in private aviation. In the ever-evolving world of private jets, where luxury often comes at the expense of utility, the PC-24 breaks new ground.
BLAK Private Jets has built a reputation for providing access to a curated fleet of aircraft, but few in their network capture the imagination of the aviation enthusiast quite like the Pilatus PC-24. With its blend of rugged performance and understated elegance, this jet speaks to the next generation of travellers—those who value both efficiency and experience in equal measure.
Swiss Precision: Craftsmanship Meets Innovation
The Pilatus PC-24 is a quintessential product of Swiss engineering—precise, elegant, and meticulously designed. Known for its fine watchmaking, Switzerland also carries a strong reputation for aviation innovation, and the PC-24 is an outstanding example of this tradition. Pilatus, the company behind the aircraft, is a name long synonymous with rugged turboprops like the PC-12, but with the PC-24, they ventured into the realm of light jets, and in doing so, they transformed the market.
What sets the PC-24 apart is its STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) capability. Most light jets are confined to long, paved runways at major airports, but the PC-24’s design allows it to access short, often unpaved runways. This makes the jet ideal for remote areas where most aircraft simply cannot land. Imagine departing from London City and flying directly to a private lodge deep in the Alps or to a secluded beach on a private island—destinations that other jets could not reach without cumbersome stopovers or transfers.
Unlike most light jets, which are designed with business travellers in mind, the PC-24 is built for adventure without sacrificing luxury. And while the STOL capability is often the first point of admiration, what makes the PC-24 truly remarkable is how seamlessly it blends technical innovation with aesthetic appeal.
On the outside, its sleek, modern lines convey the elegance expected of a private jet. Inside, the cabin is spacious, with options for customisation that allow travellers to transform the jet into a flying office, a family lounge, or a ski equipment carrier, depending on the mission.
New Zealand based ZK-JFL flying above the Southern Alps of New Zealand.
Performance: Speed, Range, and Agility
At the heart of the Pilatus PC-24 are its two Williams FJ44-4A turbofan engines, which allow this jet to fly at speeds comparable to other light jets, but with far greater versatility. A maximum cruise speed of 440 knots (815 km/h) means it can easily connect major cities across Europe and beyond. However, what sets it apart is its ability to perform in environments where other jets would falter.
For the jet-setting executive who values time above all else, the PC-24’s ability to operate at smaller regional airports or less congested locations reduces travel time significantly. This capability isn't just about remote access; it's about avoiding the bottlenecks and inefficiencies of larger airports. Consider a journey from Paris to the Alps—most jets would land at Geneva or Zurich, but the PC-24 can fly directly into Sion, a much closer gateway to the region’s most exclusive ski resorts, cutting down ground transfer time.
More adventurous travellers might find themselves hopping between remote islands in the Mediterranean or navigating the wilderness of Australia. The PC-24’s ability to land on unpaved runways opens the door to far-flung destinations. For instance, one could fly from Sydney to a remote outback station with ease, avoiding hours of additional travel by road or light aircraft.
Moreover, the jet’s range of 2,000 nautical miles (3,700 km) makes it capable of flying between New York and Miami, Los Angeles and Vancouver, or even Sydney and Auckland without refuelling. Its adaptability to both short regional flights and longer cross-continental journeys makes it a compelling choice for both business and leisure travellers alike.
A luxurious PC-24 cabin.
The Cabin: Where Comfort Meets Functionality
Inside the PC-24, the cabin design ensures that comfort is never sacrificed for performance. Pilatus has meticulously crafted an environment that feels more spacious than its competitors in the light jet category. With seating configurations for up to 11 passengers, it’s an aircraft equally adept at ferrying a group of business partners to a board meeting as it is transporting a family on holiday.
One of the standout features in the cabin is the large cargo door—a rarity in light jets. This gives the PC-24 a level of flexibility that is almost unmatched. Travellers can easily load oversized baggage, sports equipment, or business materials. Whether it’s golf clubs, skis, or specialist equipment for an expedition, this jet accommodates a wide range of cargo that would be problematic for other light jets.
Furthermore, the cabin is designed to maximise natural light. Large windows offer panoramic views of the sky and landscape below, while fully-reclinable seats and finely finished materials create an atmosphere of serenity. The spacious layout, along with options for customisable configurations, means that the aircraft can be tailored to fit each journey.
For example, a group flying to the Mediterranean for a yachting holiday might configure the jet to accommodate luggage and additional crew, while a team of executives flying between New York and Toronto might opt for a boardroom-style setup, transforming the cabin into a high-altitude office.
A Pilot’s Dream: Advanced Avionics and Handling
As much as the PC-24 is a joy for passengers, it is equally admired by pilots. The aircraft is equipped with the latest Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE), a cutting-edge avionics system that integrates touchscreen controls to simplify flying. For pilots, the PC-24 provides a balance of manual control and automation that enhances both performance and safety.
With intuitive displays and streamlined flight management systems, the PC-24 reduces pilot workload, making it ideal for challenging environments. Pilots flying into Innsbruck, for instance—a notoriously tricky approach due to the surrounding mountains—can rely on the jet’s advanced technology to assist with safe navigation and landing. The jet’s rugged build and advanced avionics make it an ideal aircraft for those tricky-to-access destinations that demand precision and skill from both machine and human.
Hamburg based Platoon Aviation's Pilatus PC-24.
Comparison with the Competition: A Class of Its Own
When discussing light jets, names like the Cessna Citation CJ4 and the Embraer Phenom 300 often come up, but neither quite measures up to the versatility of the Pilatus PC-24. While the Citation CJ4 and Phenom 300 offer comparable speed and range, they fall short when it comes to off-the-beaten-track access.
The Citation CJ4, for example, requires longer runways and struggles with unpaved surfaces, limiting it to more conventional airports. Similarly, the Phenom 300 excels in traditional business routes but lacks the ruggedness needed for remote destinations. The PC-24’s ability to land on short, unpaved runways immediately places it in a category of its own.
Cost-wise, while the PC-24’s charter rates may be slightly higher than its competitors, the jet’s overall efficiency often results in cost savings. The ability to land closer to one’s final destination—avoiding lengthy transfers or additional flights—translates to a faster, more seamless journey. For time-poor business travellers or adventurers seeking direct access to remote locations, these savings in time and effort far outweigh the slightly higher price point.
Global Operators: Bringing the PC-24 to a Worldwide Audience
One of the strengths of the PC-24 is its availability through an extensive network of global operators. In Europe, firms like Jetfly and Platoon Aviation have added the PC-24 to their fleets, offering clients a versatile, efficient option for private charter. These jets are often used to fly between major cities such as London and Zurich, while also offering the flexibility to land at smaller airstrips in the Alps or on Mediterranean islands.
In Australia, the Royal Flying Doctor Service employs the PC-24 for its impressive versatility in accessing remote airstrips. In a region where healthcare and rescue operations often depend on the ability to access isolated areas, the PC-24’s capabilities are precious. This aircraft is not just about luxury and leisure—it is an indispensable tool for lifesaving operations in remote environments.
For adventurers heading to Australia or New Zealand, the PC-24 offers the kind of off-grid access that other jets simply can’t provide. Whether flying into remote fishing lodges, eco-luxury resorts, or industrial hubs, the PC-24 is a trusted workhorse in both luxury travel and practical aviation needs.
The Pilatus PC-24 Cockpit.
The Ultimate Aircraft for Versatility and Performance
The Pilatus PC-24 has set a new standard in private aviation, redefining what a light jet can do. Combining the efficiency and luxury of a traditional business jet with the rugged capabilities of a turboprop, it is an aircraft that refuses to fit neatly into any one category.
For the executive looking to save time and travel closer to their final destination, the PC-24 is an invaluable tool. For the adventurous traveller seeking access to remote, untouched landscapes, the PC-24 is unmatched in its ability to offer seamless access to otherwise hard-to-reach locations.
Whether used for business, leisure, or exploration, the PC-24 is a symbol of what modern aviation can offer—a perfect balance of efficiency, luxury, and rugged performance.
