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Pilatus – Made in America for Americans!

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Swiss company Pilatus Aircraft is building a new plant in the United States. Starting in 2022, Pilatus Aircraft will expand its presence in the United States to complement its Swiss capacity, which is currently nearing capacity. At a groundbreaking ceremony held at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ), Pilatus executives, along with representatives of regional governments and organizations, celebrated the official start of construction of the new, state-of-the-art sales, service, and manufacturing center.

This event marks the first phase of Pilatus's long-term development in Sarasota and is a significant milestone in the company's ongoing investment and growth at the airport. Subsequent phases will build on this foundation and expand to include aircraft assembly. The new complex will serve as a flagship sales, service, and manufacturing center, elevating quality, expertise, and customer experience to new heights.

Markus Bucher, Pilatus CEO, said: «Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Pilatus in the US. We are moving our aircraft production to the United States. This flagship facility will be our fifth in the US and will set new standards for quality, expertise, and technology in the southeast. In America, we will build aircraft for Americans! We are establishing a major manufacturing hub in Sarasota to serve our customers where they are. Customers can now buy Pilatus PC-12 and buy Pilatus PC-24 "American assembly.".

The Importance of the US Market

Effective January 1, 2026, Pilatus will consolidate all of its U.S. subsidiaries into a single entity—Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd.—creating a single enterprise with approximately 400 employees and harmonizing systems across all U.S. manufacturing processes. The company will include its headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado (KBJC), as well as additional locations in Westminster, Maryland (KDMW), Rock Hill, South Carolina (KUZA), and Atlanta, Georgia (KPDK).

In the US, Pilatus already operates a final assembly center for the Pilatus PC-12 and Pilatus PC-24 aircraft at its headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado. In Florida alone, the company will create approximately 200 new jobs over the next five years.

Today, more than 2,300 Pilatus aircraft are in operation worldwide, making them one of the most popular private jets for private jet charter. The new Florida facility will not impact existing jobs at the company's Swiss headquarters. Instead, it will support overall growth and ensure a timely response to the strong global demand for turboprop aircraft. Pilatus PC-12 и Pilatus PC-24.

«"More than 801 TP3T Pilatus aircraft are supplied to the US, and it's perfectly logical to expand production there. As a reminder, the company recently acquired one of its dealers, Skytech, and integrated it into its structure. This decision aligns perfectly with US President Donald Trump's policy of encouraging foreign companies to open manufacturing facilities in the US through tariffs," comments JetHunter Director Alexey Mordvintsev.

An updated version of the aircraft Pilatus PC-12 Pro It has been in production since 2025 and has already won the hearts of buyers. Buy a private jet Pilatus PC-12 You can find a flight-tested aircraft with flight time at JetHunter. We specialize in delivering this type of aircraft to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, and the Baltic states.

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    How to choose an aircraft for rent?

    Chartering a jet isn't just a transportation solution; it's a way to make travel as comfortable, safe, and efficient as possible. To ensure a perfect private jet flight, it's important to choose the right aircraft for your specific needs. The choice of model affects not only the price of the flight, but also the level of service, capacity, flight range, and onboard amenities. Below are key factors to help you make the right decision.

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    Purpose of the trip

    The first thing to start with is to determine the purpose of the flight.
    • Business travel. For short business trips or meetings in neighboring countries, light and ultra-light jets are ideal—for example, the Cessna Citation CJ3+, HondaJet Elite II, or Embraer Phenom 300. These aircraft are quickly prepared for departure, allow comfortable travel to the destination, and save executives time.
    • Vacationing with family or friends. If you're planning a vacation or a trip with a large group, consider mid-size and large business jets like the Bombardier Challenger 605 or Gulfstream G550. They offer spacious cabins, galleys, separate lounge areas, and ample baggage space.
    • Transcontinental and intercontinental flights. Long-haul routes—for example, Almaty to Dubai or Istanbul to New York—require long-range aircraft with greater range and increased speed. Optimal options include the Bombardier Global 6000, Gulfstream G650ER, or Falcon 8X.

    Number of passengers

    The exact number of passengers directly influences the choice of aircraft class.
    • For 2-4 people, a compact jet with minimal operating costs is sufficient.
    • For 5-9 passengers, midsize and super-midsize jets offer more space and comfort.
    • If you're planning a group flight of up to 15–19 people, JetHunter offers business jets with separate cabins, sleeping areas, and a full kitchen.

    Distance and route

    Each model has a specific flight range, which determines whether the aircraft can fly without refueling.
    • For flights within Asia or to Europe, a range of up to 3,000–4,000 km is sufficient.
    • For intercontinental routes, a reserve of 7,000 km or more will be required.
    It's also important to consider your departure and destination airports: not all airports can accommodate large aircraft. In such cases, JetHunter will select a model suitable for short runways or mountain airfields, such as the Pilatus PC-12 NGX or Cessna Citation XLS+.

    Budget and rental cost

    The cost of renting an airplane depends on several factors:
    • class and model of aircraft;
    • route distance;
    • flight dates
    • number of passengers
    • additional services - catering, transfers, etc.
    The average rental price for a light jet starts at $2,000 per hour, for a mid-size jet around $6,000–$8,000, and for a long-haul jet from $10,000 and up. The JetHunter team can help you calculate the cost individually and offer the best options for your budget—with no hidden fees.

    Additional requirements

    Renting a business jet allows you to tailor your flight to your personal preferences. When choosing an aircraft, consider the following in advance:
    • the need for a sleeping area, shower, kitchen or bar;
    • availability of Internet, entertainment system, satellite communications;
    • the possibility of transporting non-standard sized luggage, sports equipment or pets;
    • preferences for catering and service on board.

    3 steps to buying an airplane

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    Send us request

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    Sign a contract

    Sign the private jet purchase agreement. This ensures that you as the buyer and all parties understand the terms of the transaction.

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    Pay for the plane

    Pay for the aircraft of your choice in any convenient way. We offer more than 50 different payment options.

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    Determine the requirements for the aircraft

    Determine your budget and travel needs: Where do you want to fly? How often? How many passengers will you be carrying? What level of comfort do you prefer?

    Contact us

    Contact our manager who will help you understand the technical characteristics of the aircraft and choose the most suitable model.

    Select aircraft model

    Based on your requirements, we will select several aircraft models that are optimally suited in terms of technical characteristics, capacity, flight range and other parameters. We will also help you compare the selected models and make an informed choice. We recommend choosing an aircraft that 80% matches your ideal.

    Visual inspection of the aircraft

    Choose one or two aircraft from the options offered. We will arrange a visual inspection, where you will be able to personally inspect the aircraft, assess the condition of its interior and exterior, and determine the most suitable option for purchase.

    LOI and contract

    It is necessary to sign a Letter of Intent to Purchase an Aircraft (LOI), make a deposit and sign the Aircraft Purchase Agreement, drafted by our experienced lawyers.

    Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI)

    We will arrange an independent technical inspection of the aircraft in a certified center to ensure its safety and serviceability. You will receive a detailed report on the technical condition of the aircraft to be sure of its reliability. As a result, you will receive a fully operational aircraft in airworthiness.

    Closing the deal

    At this stage, the aircraft flies to the location where the deal is closed and payment for the aircraft is made in any way convenient for you. The transaction goes through an escrow agent, which guarantees security and transparency during the transaction. Your funds will be sent to the seller only after receiving all the necessary documents for the aircraft.

    Aircraft delivery

    We will organize a ceremonial handover of the aircraft to you. And we will ensure a comfortable start of operation of your new aircraft. If necessary, we will recommend the operator, insurance company and service center.

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    Frequently Asked Questions?

    How to rent a private jet?

    To book a private jet, simply contact us by phone or submit a request on our website. Tell our managers your desired dates, route, and number of guests. Based on this information, we will prepare the best private jet charter options for you. Once you select the appropriate business jet, we will sign the contract, and you can make payment. We will then ask you to provide a passenger list and any onboard service requirements, and your flight will be fully organized. On the day of departure, a ready-to-fly aircraft and professional crew will be waiting for you.

    How to choose an aircraft when buying an airplane?

    Key selection criteria include the number of passengers, the planned range of the private flight, and your budget. These parameters determine the aircraft type and size, which directly impacts the level of comfort and the final cost of the charter. Our specialists will provide detailed advice, present several models to choose from, and clearly demonstrate their differences to help you make an informed decision.

    What is included in the price of buying a private jet?

    The final price of a private jet charter is a comprehensive package. It includes an aircraft with an experienced crew, VIP lounge services (if available at the departure/arrival airport), premium onboard meals, and all required airport taxes. You can also add any additional services to make your business jet charter as convenient as possible.

    Can I change the conditions of the booked flight?

    Safety is our top priority. Every business jet available for charter undergoes regular maintenance and has all necessary permits. All pilots hold valid licenses and continually improve their skills in regular simulator training and courses. Therefore, a private flight with us offers not only comfort but also absolute reliability.

    How is the flight safe? What is the level of training of the pilots?

    We offer aircraft only in the summer year, with current insurance certificates and timely maintenance. All pilots are employed and undergo regular training.

    Word of CEO

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    For those who value time above all else, the sky offers limitless possibilities. At JetHunter, we've created a service that transforms private travel into a tool for efficiency and comfort. When you charter an aircraft with us, you get more than just transportation, but a carefully designed space for work and relaxation.

    Our company offers a comprehensive approach. Looking to purchase a private jet or rent a business jet for a specific period? We'll be your reliable partner. Each client receives a personalized approach: we introduce our model range and help you choose the right aircraft. We select the optimal rental terms, always keeping your budget and business objectives in mind.

    We value the trust you give us and strive to build long-term and mutually beneficial relationships with each client.

    With JetHunter, you're not just buying a plane—you're discovering a new standard of living, where distance isn't a barrier to your ambitions!

    With very best regards,
    Alexey Mordvintsev

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