With a little throwback to the 1980’s movie, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” and with support from aviation influencer Sam Chui, Pilatus officially unveiled the Pilatus PC-12 PRO in a live stream event on March 14th. The PRO, which Pilatus has dubbed “The Most Advanced Single,” is the latest evolution of the renowned PC-12 series and successor to the NGX, which Pilatus launched in 2020. With a “typically equipped” base price of $6,800,000, the PRO is already FAA and EASA certified. Deliveries of the new aircraft will begin as soon as late Summer / early Fall 2025.

The Pilatus PC-12 PRO introduces a number of exciting improvements from the previous PC-12 NGX:

New Garmin G3000 Prime Avionics:

The most significant change from the NGX to the PC-12 Pro is the long awaited introduction of Garmin G3000 Prime Flight Deck, which replaces the Honeywell Apex system previously used in the NGX and NG. The G3000 Prime Flight Deck uses faster processing speed and advanced technology to improve safety and efficiency while reducing pilot workload throughout all phases of flight. The G3000 Prime flight deck features three hi-res 14-inch touchscreen primary display units, touchscreen secondary display units, and a GI 275 standby instrument. The PRO also integrates Pilatus’ much-loved cursor control device from the NG and NGX through the G3000 prime flight deck and even incorporates a hand-stabilization feature. 

The Garmin G3000 Prime Flight Deck is the backbone of the PC-12 PRO’s new Advanced Cockpit Environment – ACE  powered by GAR the introduction of the Garmin G3000 Prime Avionics Suite featuring Autoland which ushers in Pilatus’ long awaited switch to Garmin from Honeywell. The PC-12 Pro actually becomes the first aircraft certified with G3000 Prime Fight Deck. Garmin initially announced the G3000 Prime Flight Deck last October at NBAA with Textron’s introduction of the Gen 3 CJ4, CJ3+, and M2 which will begin delivering in 2026/27. The G3000 Prime Flight Deck uses advanced technology to improve safety and efficiency while reducing pilot workload throughout all phases of flight

Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE) with Garmin G3000 Prime

A cornerstone of the PC-12 PRO is its new Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE), powered by the Garmin G3000 Prime Integrated Flight Deck. This state-of-the-art avionics suite replaces the previous Honeywell system, marking a significant technological advancement for the aircraft. Key features of the G3000 Prime include:

• High-Resolution Displays: The new flight deck boasts three 14-inch touchscreen edge to edge displays and two 7-inch touchscreen controllers, providing pilots with intuitive access to flight information and system controls. The displays are sunlight-readable, fingerprint-resistant, and deliver enhanced clarity, speed, and responsiveness.

• Enhanced Flight Planning: Pilots can utilize advanced flight planning tools, such as the Modified Flight Plan feature, allowing for route adjustments before execution. The system also integrates synthetic vision technology (SVT) with a track-based flight path marker, offering a 3D representation of terrain and obstacles for improved situational awareness.

• Autothrottle and Automatic Flight Control: The G3000 Prime includes an integrated autothrottle and automatic flight control system, reducing pilot workload and enhancing flight precision.

Emergency Autoland System

The PRO introduces a number of innovative flight safety enhancements including Garmin Emergency Autoland, Smart Glide, and Electronic Stability. The Autoland system integrates the GFC 700 autopilot and autothrottle through the G3000 Prime Integrated Flight Deck to autonomously control and land the aircraft in the event of pilot incapacitation. Upon activation, the system assesses factors such as fuel levels, weather conditions, and proximity to suitable airports to execute a safe landing. This technology enhances safety and sets a new standard in the single-engine turboprop market.This technology not only enhances passenger safety but also sets a new standard in the single-engine turboprop market.

Performance and Specifications

The PC-12 PRO maintains impressive performance capabilities:

• Maximum Cruise Speed: 290 knots (537 km/h)

• Service Ceiling: 30,000 feet

• Maximum Range: 1,830 nautical miles (3,389 km)
  Flight Global

These capabilities, combined with the aircraft’s versatility in operating from short and unpaved runways, make it a formidable competitor in its class.

Cabin Enhancements

Pilatus has collaborated with BMW Designworks to elevate the cabin experience. The PC-12 PRO features executive seats inspired by the PC-24 Super Versatile Jet, offering full recline and taller seat backs for enhanced comfort. The use of premium materials and optimized storage solutions caters to both business and leisure travelers, ensuring a luxurious journey.

Additional Enhancements

Other new features and enhancements Pilatus introduced with the PRO include an updated control yoke adapted from PC-24 jet, enhanced payload capability with a 100-pound increase in useful load, new modern exterior paint scheme and colors, and a restyled cabin with new high-end features and materials, fresh cabinet designs, and additional storage capacity. 

What Will The PRO’s Affect Be On Other Markets

What will the impact be of the PC-12 PRO on the rest of the single engine turboprop world? With the innovative advancements mentioned above, the PRO has certainly raised the bar for all other manufacturers. Demand was already very strong for the NGX, and the backlog will grow further with the introduction of the PRO. 

So when can you get a new PRO delivery position? The reality is, if you are reading this and you don’t already have a position secured with your respective Pilatus Dealer, you very well may be looking at a two or three year wait for the next available PRO delivery position. Current NGX and NG owners would also like to know how the introduction of the PRO will affect the values of previous PC-12 models. The NGX’s limited available pre-owned supply, combined with the significantly increased price and lengthy new delivery wait times of the PRO, should mute much downward pressure on NGX and NG pricing.

With a base price of approximately $6.8 million, the PC-12 PRO positions itself competitively within the single-engine turboprop market, rivaling models like the Daher TBM series and Beechcraft Denali. Its blend of advanced avionics, safety features, and cabin luxury reinforces Pilatus’ leadership in this segment.

The introduction of the Pilatus PC-12 PRO may influence the resale values of previous models, such as the PC-12 NGX and NG. While some depreciation could occur as buyers gravitate toward the latest offering, the enduring demand and robust reputation of the PC-12 series suggest that earlier models will continue to hold significant value, especially for those seeking reliable and cost-effective options.

Conclusion

The Pilatus PC-12 PRO represents a significant advancement in single-engine turboprop aviation. It also introduces several exciting improvements from the previous PC-12 NGX.By integrating cutting-edge technology, enhancing safety systems, and refining passenger comfort, Pilatus has set a new benchmark for performance and luxury in this market segment. As deliveries commence in mid-2025, the PC-12 PRO is poised to continue the legacy of its predecessors while charting a course for the future of aviation excellence.

 

*Photo by Pilatus Aircraft Ltd