JetSwiss Pilatus PULSE - April 2026

MASTERS OF THE STANDARD

April means The Masters golf tournament! TVs were strategically placed around the JetSwiss office for this very reason. So, when I was asked to write this month’s editorial, it dawned on me how each aspect of the tournament/Augusta National is symbolic of JetSwiss, Pilatus, and its customers.

First, the history.

Bobby Jones dreamed of building a golf course after retiring from championship golf in 1930. In 1932, he and Clifford Roberts, an investment banker in New York, made it happen and opened Augusta National Golf Club. Two years later, they invited the world’s best to compete. What began as the Augusta National Invitation Tournament eventually became what we now know as The Masters–a name that, at first, even Jones thought was too presumptuous.

But there’s a reason The Masters Tournament feels different.

It’s not just the setting, although few places in sport carry the same sense of precision and reverence. It’s not just the tradition, the exclusivity, or even the green jacket waiting on Sunday afternoon.

It’s the standard.

At Augusta, excellence isn’t an outcome–it’s an expectation.

Every competitor on the grounds has earned their place through years of discipline, failure, adjustment, and persistence. Long before the spotlight, there were early mornings, quiet repetitions, and countless moments of choosing to improve rather than settle.

It’s a pattern that extends far beyond golf.

You see it in the world of aircraft ownership. Aircraft owners are individuals who have built their lives and businesses around high standards and a willingness to do the hard things repeatedly.

As Nick Saban famously said: “There’s a reason mediocre people don’t like high achievers, and high achievers don’t like mediocre people.”

That idea lives in the details.

At JetSwiss, our team brings together a wide range of experience and expertise, but what matters most is what connects it all: a shared commitment to doing things the right way. A belief that consistency matters. It’s in the refusal to accept “good enough” when better is possible. Our clients understand that instinctively. When Pilatus owners work with JetSwiss, there’s an immediate recognition of capability and mindset. A shared language built around expectations, execution, and results.

When both sides are committed to the same level of excellence, the process becomes something more. It becomes mastered.

You don’t rise to the occasion. You rise to the standard you’ve chosen to live by.

And more often than not, that standard is defined by the company you keep. This core belief extends to all involved without question.

So, cheers to another great Masters Champion, and congratulations to the many folks in the village of Pilatus who have mastered their individual craft. You are a champion as well.

Fly safe, Don “Bub” Peterson

MARKET CHANGES IN THE LAST 30 DAYS

TIME ON MARKET

BREAKDOWN OF DAYS ON MARKET USA VS INTERNATIONAL

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1-2 Years on Market

AVERAGE LISTING PRICE BY QUARTER | 2021-2026

HISTORICAL AVERAGE SALE PRICE

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MAINTENANCE MINUTE

With Bill Lento

We are through Q1, and by now, we’ve all probably blown through those half-hearted resolutions to go to the gym more often and lose weight. So, let’s make some new goals that actually stick, and that will benefit us aircraft owners and operators.

Pilatus owners are lucky to have one of the most reliable and maintenance-friendly aircraft out there. But even a Pilatus breaks down now and then. When this happens at home base, you resort to calling your local contact who looks after your aircraft.

Who do you call when you’re 1000 miles from home or even out of the country? You are always welcome to call us at JetSwiss, and we are happy to point you in the right direction. But you should also know that Pilatus has created a Customer Service app.

The app has phone numbers for every Pilatus authorized service center in the world. In addition, you can find numbers for contacting Pilatus Tech Support directly. Pilatus has 24/7 tech support available, split between their support centers in Switzerland, Australia, and the United States. On one particularly long day, I worked with all three centers.

Open issues are shared between the centers, so when one team signs off, the next picks up and continues assisting you.

Another great Pilatus resource is the MyPilatus website. Every owner and operator should sign up for a free MyPilatus account. In there, you will find all the same information that’s on the customer service app, plus more. You’ll find information about the newest service bulletins available, as well as information on airworthiness limitations and recommended maintenance schedules.

Most importantly, you’ll find first responder information. Pilatus (and most major manufacturers) produce guides for first responders on how to safely approach, shut down, and rescue passengers.

For our PC-24 friends, there is a 180-page manual on safe recovery methods and lifting procedures for when the aircraft goes off the hard surface and can’t just drive back out.

I encourage you to print the guides Pilatus offers and share them with the rescue crews at your home base. They’ll appreciate it, and if you ever need their services, you will too.

Click the app to download it or visit the website!

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AIRCRAFT

ASKING PRICE VS. TOTAL TIME

Similar to the Asking Price vs Model Year chart, this information helps our clients determine “the mileage on the car” for their specific budget. Want to own a low time aircraft? This chart will give you an indication on what you will spend. Note: aircraft under 1,000 hours total time historically yield much higher prices.

AIRCRAFT

ASKING PRICE VS. MODEL YEAR

This chart reflects the current market for Pilatus PC-12 aircraft that are on the retail market. Want to know how much your Pilatus dollars will buy? This is a great place to start! As you can see, the aircraft model year plays a key factor in pricing of the aircraft–thus generates a commensurate trend curve. This data provides a baseline for our aircraft evaluations.

PC-24 BY THE NUMBERS

PC-24

AVAILABLE

OWNERS UPGRADE FROM THE PC-12NG MORE THAN ANY OTHER AIRCRAFT TOTAL AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURED TO DATE

AIRCRAFT ASKING PRICE VS. TOTAL TIME

This information helps our clients determine “the mileage on the car” for their specific budget. “Want to own a low time aircraft?” This chart will give you an indication on what you will spend. Note: aircraft under 1,000 hours total time historically yield much higher prices.

FOR SALE

11 Located in the USA

14 Located Internationally

AIRCRAFT ASKING PRICE VS. MODEL YEAR

This chart reflects the current market for Pilatus PC-24 aircraft that are on the retail market. Want to know how much your Pilatus dollars will buy? This is a great place to start! As you can see, the aircraft model year plays a key factor in pricing of the aircraft–thus generates a commensurate trend curve. This data provides a baseline for our aircraft evaluations.

THE MERIDIAN MOVE-UP

Aviation is the ultimate yin-and-yang comparison. When evaluating aircraft, you can frequently trade speed for payload, age for hours, or equipment for overall condition. It’s a highly subjective, yet precise analysis that often leaves aircraft owners bewildered. In the turboprop world, one of the most debated comparisons is the Piper PA-46 Meridian versus the Pilatus PC-12. Let’s take a moment to objectively compare the two and help guide prospective buyers considering either model.

HISTORY

Piper Meridian

The Piper Meridian began production in 1999, with initial deliveries in 2000. It quickly became one of the most popular aircraft in its segment. Over the years, the Meridian’s airframe has remained relatively unchanged, but several upgrades have improved the platform. Some of which include gross weight increases, new avionics suites, and enhanced interior components. While the aircraft is now marketed under a different name, the Meridian platform remains in production. Since its introduction, Piper has produced more than 650 units.

Pilatus PC-12

The Pilatus PC-12 entered service earlier, with deliveries beginning in 1995. It quickly earned a reputation for its cargo capability and strong safety record. Like many aircraft, the PC-12 has evolved, with improvements including higher gross weights, upgraded avionics, engine variants, and airframe enhancements. Despite these changes, the fuselage crosssection and overall dimensions have remained consistent. To date, more than 2,150 PC-12s have been produced. Production continues today with the latest PRO model.

PERFORMANCE

Performance is often the deciding factor between the Meridian and the PC-12, as they are designed for fundamentally different missions.

The Meridian is tailored for the owner-pilot, flying with a small group of passengers, typically within a 500-nautical-mile range. It excels as an efficient personal transportation aircraft but is not intended for heavy loads over long distances.

Conversely, the PC-12 has earned the nickname “the Turbine Suburban™.” It can be either owner-flown or professionally operated and is built for versatility. With seating for up to eight passengers, it can carry a full load of people and baggage while still achieving a range of approximately 1,000 nautical miles. Naturally, this increased capability comes with higher operating costs.

COST RESIDUAL VALUES FINAL APPROACH

There’s an old saying in aviation: the acquisition cost is the cheapest part of ownership.

Ongoing operating expenses and maintenance tend to be the most unpredictable, and often the most significant cost drivers.

The Meridian burns approximately 40 gallons per hour, while the PC-12 averages closer to 70 gallons per hour. At $4.50 per gallon, that equates to roughly a $130-perhour difference in fuel alone. Additionally, maintenance labor rates for Pilatus aircraft are typically higher, contributing to increased annual maintenance costs.

In general terms, when factoring in fuel and maintenance reserves, the PC-12 costs several hundred dollars more per hour to operate than the Meridian.

On the acquisition side, when comparing aircraft of similar age, hours, and pedigree, the PC-12 typically commands roughly double the purchase price of a Meridian. This higher value also drives increased insurance premiums. Furthermore, the larger physical footprint of the PC-12 often results in higher hangar costs. Overall, annual ownership expenses for a PC-12 is typically 15–20% higher than a Meridian.

For this discussion, we’ll reference a neutral third-party source: Vref Aircraft Value Reference, a widely used valuation guide for aircraft lending and appraisal.

According to Vref, a stock 2010 Meridian currently retains approximately 74% of its value. By comparison, a stock 2010 PC-12 retains about 96%. This trend generally holds across production years, with only minor variation.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to a few key factors:

1. How much are you willing to invest in an aircraft?

2. How many people and bags will you normally carry, and where is your typical destination?

3. How important is your exit strategy when it comes time to sell? Are you factoring the sale price into your total cost of ownership analysis?

At JetSwiss, we help clients navigate these decisions every day. If you have questions about specific aircraft, ownership considerations, or how to align an aircraft with your mission, our team is here to help. It’s too important a decision not to evaluate all your options with a clear and informed perspective.

TAIL FOR SALE

We have some tail for sale! These aircraft have completed our full diligence process and are ready for immediate delivery. Opportunities like this move quickly—don’t wait any longer!

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