Pilatus created the PC-12, and to this day, it stands as one of the most capable single-engine aircraft ever built, making the PC-24 a great step up from the PC-12.
In my experience, owners of these value three things:
- Reliability
- Runway flexibility
- Rational operating costs
For many operators, this 3R value recipe works perfectly. Over time, though, missions evolve and needs change. Businesses grow. Time becomes more valuable. Ultimately, the value equation changes.
Eventually, that age-old question appears:
Should we move up to a jet?
And if so:
Which jet preserves the advantages we already have?
For many disciplined operators who answer the first question affirmatively, the Pilatus PC-24 answers the second question.
Speed Changes the Mission
The PC-12 typically cruises near 265 knots. On the other hand, the PC-24 cruises above 440 knots. That speed delta compounds quickly.
For example, on a 1,200-nm trip segment, the PC-24 often saves close to two hours. Yes, the jet costs more. But the bottom-line intangible value of time saved to your principal, passengers, and to the company may well be worth the increased tangible costs.
Over a year of flying, that means:
- More productive travel days
- Easier same-day round-trips or multi-legged flight days
- Less crew and passenger fatigue
- Greater schedule flexibility
Speed alone rarely justifies the upgrade, but time savings often do.
Airport Access Still Matters
Most jet upgrades force a compromise. Traditional light jets require longer runways, and that limits access to secondary airports. The Pilatus PC-12 excels in this metric; hence, some PC-12 operators are wary to move up to a jet.
Common examples include the:
- Cessna Citation CJ4
- Embraer Phenom 300
Both are excellent aircraft; however, neither preserves the runway flexibility PC-12 owners rely on.
Pilatus designed the PC-24 differently from the common jet step-ups.
Key operational advantages include:
- Superior short-field capability
- Steep approach performance
- Optional unpaved operations kit
- Large cargo door
For many operators, these advantages drive the decision.
The PC-24 keeps your mission requirements intact.
The Cabin Experience Improves Immediately
The PC-12 cabin is practical and efficient, while the PC-24 cabin moves firmly into the jet category.
Key improvements include:
- Flat-floor executive cabin – no dropped aisle that’s difficult to maneuver
- Higher cruise altitude (FL450)
- Reduced weather exposure in flight
- Quieter environment with an excellent pressurization system
Passengers notice the difference quickly.
Business principals notice it even faster.
The Economics Must Still Make Sense
Moving into a jet increases operating cost. With increased speed comes increased fuel burn. Engine programs become an important operational and resale discussion point.
But the real evaluation focuses on mission efficiency.
Consider the following factors:
- Time saved per trip
- Ability to expand and complete same-day missions
- Passenger comfort expectations
- Operational reliability
When missions regularly exceed 800–1,000 nm, the jet often becomes the rational choice.
The value of time begins to dominate the equation.
Hybrid Ownership Becomes Possible
The PC-24 also works well in structured charter environments. Many owners choose to operate their PC-24s in Part 135 programs.
This structure allows:
- Supplemental revenue
- Improved aircraft utilization
- Partial cost offset
The aircraft appeals strongly to charter clients. It combines jet performance with unusual airport flexibility.
Few jet aircraft offer that combination.
The PC-24 Is Not a Large Cabin Jet
It is important to frame expectations correctly. The PC-24 does not compete with aircraft like the Gulfstream G280 or the Bombardier Challenger 300/350/3500.
If your mission requires:
- 3,000+ nautical mile range
- Intercontinental travel
- Large-cabin passenger capacity,
Then, you are evaluating a different aircraft category. Many operators simply do not need that capability.
Most missions fall within:
- 500 to 1,500 nautical miles
- Domestic, regional travel
- Secondary airport access
Within these parameters, the PC-24 performs extremely well.
Transition Risk Is Lower Than Expected
Another advantage often goes unnoticed. Pilots and operators already familiar with Pilatus benefit from continuity.
That includes:
- Similar engineering philosophy
- Exceptional build quality
- Logical cockpit design
- Strong manufacturer support
Transition tends to be smoother than many operators expect.
Confidence matters during aircraft upgrades.
When the Upgrade Makes Sense
The move from PC-12 to PC-24 becomes logical when:
- Missions regularly exceed 800 nautical miles
- Travel time limits productivity
- Passenger expectations increase
- Airport flexibility remains critical
When those conditions align, the PC-24 often becomes the most efficient solution.
Not the most extravagant one.
A Current Market Example
From time to time, a particularly clean aircraft appears in the market that illustrates the PC-24 value proposition well.
Currently, we represent a 2023 Pilatus PC-24 with just over 900 hours total time.
Notable highlights include:
- Engines enrolled in the Williams TAP Blue program
- Modern Connected Flight Deck avionics suite
- ADS-B In/Out capability
- FMS TOLD performance package
- Excellent interior and exterior cosmetic condition
Aircraft in this category tend to attract attention for several reasons:
- Low total time
- Current avionics architecture
- Engine program coverage
- Immediate operational readiness
For operators considering the move from a Pilatus PC-12 into a PC-24, examples like this provide a useful real-world reference point for what the market currently offers.
Final Perspective
Aircraft ownership decisions should never be emotional.
They should follow a clear analysis:
- Mission requirements
- Operating economics
- Airport infrastructure
- Long-term asset strategy
For many operators, the PC-24 represents a performance optimization.
It preserves the strengths of the PC-12. Then, it adds speed, altitude, and cabin refinement.
That combination explains why so many PC-12 owners eventually make the transition. If you are evaluating the move from turboprop to jet, a mission-specific analysis can clarify the decision quickly.
The right aircraft is rarely the largest one.
It is the one that fits your mission best.
A Practical Conversation
Every aircraft decision comes down to mission requirements and operating priorities.
For operators currently flying the Pilatus PC-12, the transition to the Pilatus PC-24 often becomes a natural next step.
The details, however, matter.
- Range requirements.
- Airport infrastructure.
- Passenger expectations.
- Operating economics.
Each mission profile is different.
If you are evaluating whether the PC-24 fits your operation, you will find me available and happy to discuss the decision from an operator’s perspective.
You can reach me directly at: christopher@ternjetsales.com
Even a short conversation can clarify the trade-offs quickly.
Read other blogs from Tern Jet Sales at www.ternjetsales.com/blog.