Media Release 28.08.2017
The End of an Era: Pilatus Discontinues Production of the Legendary Pilatus Porter PC-6It brought fame to the Pilatus name worldwide – the Pilatus Porter PC-6.
This multi-role aircraft has been produced at Stans without interruption since 1959,
currently in small numbers, i.e. ten machines per year at most.The PC-6 is one of the world’s longest-running production stories in the aviation industry.
That will come to an end in early 2019 when production will be ceased.
Support will be provided to existing customers for the next 20 years at least, thereby ensuring reliable ongoing PC-6 operations.
Due to the age of the PC-6 and other certification parameters, it is no longer possible to provide this ongoing development in the scope we would wish.
Also in connection with our PC-24 Super Versatile Jet,
for which series production is currently gearing up in Stans,
and which requires our full attention,
we have decided that the PC-6 no longer fits our product portfolio,
and that, after 60 years,
it is now time to cease production.Pilatus will accept orders for the PC-6 latest until mid of 2018. The number of aircraft available is limited.
By: Jur - 29th August 2017 at 08:52
Pilatus PC-6 Porter c/n 518 which flew with KLM Aerocarto from 1961-1972. Still flying in France as F-GMVS; 4th oldest flying PC-6.
Schiphol Airport Amsterdam 1966
By: Newforest - 29th August 2017 at 08:42
Agreed. I assumed Mr. Boyle was referring to the PC-12 only, 😮
By: Old Fokker - 29th August 2017 at 07:41
Initial production from 1959 was piston powered. The Turbo Porter was introduced in 1961.
By: Newforest - 29th August 2017 at 07:25
I didn’t think they ever made a piston version did they? The whole design philosophy would have centered on the PT-6.
By: J Boyle - 29th August 2017 at 01:06
A friend flew one supporting a mission in Indonesia and has nothing but praise for the type while flying in an extreme environment.
Like other long-lived types….various Cessnas, Pipers and Beeches…to say nothing of the Hercules….shows that a good design is timeless.
I’m sure with its turbine engine, it largely stopped being a privately owned type a long time ago.
Anyone know if they still produce (or when they stopped building) piston examples?
By: Zac Yates - 28th August 2017 at 23:56
Bravo Pilatus. I had no idea that 1) the type was that old or b) it was still in production!
By: scotavia - 28th August 2017 at 20:28
The PC12 is selling well and shows how clever the company is to develop a single with such ability.
By: Newforest - 28th August 2017 at 19:17
That is very clear and to the point, a commercial decision. Let’s hope the PC-24 is as successful!
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August 28, 2017 at 5:08 pm