The expected purchase price of a Pilatus PC-24

Business aircraft are expensive to purchase, not to mention the high operating costs associated with these flying machines. The Pilatus PC-24, a light business jet from Swiss company Pilatus Aircraft, is an example of this, although the PC-24 has become a hit in the light jet market due to its versatility and performance.

The new twinjet currently costs around $12 million. However, there is an opportunity to purchase this aircraft a little cheaper. This article is not just about the price of a new PC-24, but also about the cost of used models of this light business jet and the associated total cost of ownership.

Specifications of the Pilatus PC-24

The Pilatus PC-24 was launched in 2013 and completed its first flight in 2015. Originally designed to compete with the Embraer Phenom 300 and the Cessna Citation CJ4, the PC-24 has been a commercial success for Pilatus Aircraft since its commercial introduction in 2018.

Photo: Pilatus Aircraft

The Pilatus PC-24, equipped with two Williams FJ44-4A engines, is often referred to as “The Super Versatile Jet” as it highlights its features, including a spacious cabin, fuel efficiency and the ability to operate on short and unpaved takeoff and operate airstrips.

PC-24 fleets are used by the Royal Flying Doctor Service in the Australian outback and above the Arctic Circle in Alaska’s North Slope Borough, to name a few. It’s worth noting that the Pilatus PC-24 is widely used for both short-haul flights and transcontinental travel, accommodating executives and their teams in style.

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Purchase price

The new Pilatus PC-24 Twinjet is priced between $12 million and $13 million, reflecting recent significant improvements to its design.

In October 2023, the Swiss manufacturer introduced over 1,000 improvements to the aircraft, including modifications that increase its maximum range to 2,040 nautical miles (3,704 km) and an increase in full fuel payload and maximum payload capacity by 600 pounds (272 kg). This in turn increased the maximum range of the aircraft with six passengers on board by 200 nautical miles.

The manufacturer’s Vice President of Engineering, Bruno Cervia, explained how the payload increase came about:

In addition to the performance specifications, the upgraded PC-24 now features a redesigned interior with new amenities such as a large side-facing divan that converts into a bed and a state-of-the-art entertainment system. These improvements further cement the PC-24’s reputation as a versatile and advanced business jet. It is worth noting that Pilatus Aircraft began delivering its updated PC-24 aircraft in early 2024.

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As sources such as GuardianJet and Comparative Private Planes report, older and used Pilatus PC-24 aircraft are typically priced between $9 million and $11 million. Meanwhile, the average price of this aircraft is $10.5 million, according to Aircraft Cost Calculator.

These variations depend on factors such as the age of the aircraft, total flight hours, maintenance history and upgrades included. These jets typically log an average of 1,000 flight hours. Usage varies significantly, with some aircraft recording as little as 140 hours while others reach up to 2,240 hours.

Operating costs

In addition to the purchase price, owners of a business jet also have to bear the operating costs, which can be significant depending on the number of hours of flight.

Photo: Thierry Weber | Shutterstock

LibertyJet estimates the annual operating budget for a Pilatus PC-24 to be around $911,480 based on 200 flight hours per year. This figure includes expenses such as fuel, maintenance, crew salaries, hangar fees, insurance and training costs, among others. Assuming logging of 400 hours per year, LibertyJet calculates total operating costs would be $1.5 million.

According to Comparative Private Planes, the Pilatus PC-24 burns 191 gallons of fuel per hour, which at a fuel price of $5 per gallon results in an hourly fuel cost of $955. Maintenance costs are $528 per hour for labor and parts, plus an additional $359 per hour for engine reserves. Pilot salaries also contribute significantly to the costs, with the annual salary of a PC-24 pilot being approximately $390,390. This means that the Pilate The total operating cost of PC-24 is $1.1 million per year for 300 flight hours.

These ongoing costs make owning and operating the aircraft a significant financial commitment. However, it is important to note that purchasing a Pilatus PC-24 involves a range of financing options, including traditional loans, leasing and fractional ownership. These options make owning a private jet more accessible and provide potential buyers with flexibility.

Alternative light business jets to consider

Alternative light business aircraft to consider include the Embraer Phenom 300E, Learjet 75, Cessna Citation CJ4 and Honda Jet Elite. The Phenom 300E typically costs around $11 million, while the Learjet 75 has a price tag of around $14 million. The HondaJet Elite is the cheapest option among these alternatives.

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