News Release

Goldeck-Flug approved as first carrier in Austria for commercial operation of latest generation single-engine aircraft

On 11th November 2019 the Austrian aviation authority Austro Control granted Goldeck-Flug GmbH a single engine turbine air operator's certificate (SET IMC AOC) for the Pilatus PC-12 NG, approving it for the commercial transport of passengers for aircraft with one engine. Goldeck-Flug is now the first Austrian airline to be able to offer the "Swiss pocketknife" commercially. The PC-12 NG is known for its exceptional operational flexibility and efficiency.

In January 2019, the first aircraft of this type (OE-EPH) was handed over to Goldeck-Flug at Pilatus' base in Buochs, Switzerland, and used to carry out the approval process at Austro Control.

"We are really excited to be the first in Austria to offer our customers a real game changer with Austro Control's commercial operations clearance. Thanks to the versatility and efficiency of the PC-12 NG, we can bring our customers closer to their destination and save them time. Thanks go also to Austro Control for its excellent cooperation; it is one of the few European authorities actively supporting this innovative approach, so that we can offer commercial passenger air transport for single-engine airplanes. With the approval, we can now fly commercially,” stated an excited CEO Gerald Horn-Sachernegg, COO Ing. Marcel Seybal and CFO Mag. Christoph Mosser.

“Austro Control, as the austrian aviation authority, is a reliable partner of the Austrian aviation industry in supporting innovative solutions from aviation companies and accompanying them in terms of safety regulations. In professional cooperation with Goldeck-Flug, the first single-engine turbine-powered aircraft was approved for commercial flight operations in Austria,” says Austro Control managing director Dr. Valerie Hackl.

The PC-12 NG can start and land on very short and even unpaved runways. The PC-12 NG has a cabin with a larger volume than most turboprops and mid-sized business aircraft. The comfortable seats and the practical interior, as well as the unique possibility of access to the luggage compartment also during flight, offer the most optimal conditions. At the beginning of January 2020, Goldeck-Flug took delivery of its second PC-12 NG (OE-EPM).

In private and commercial air traffic, the environmental aspect is becoming more and more important. Just as electric cars are changing the car industry, so is the aerospace industry adopting new technologies. With modern engines and optimised aerodynamics, noise and fuel consumption are immensely reduced. That's why Goldeck-Flug relies only on the most innovative types of aircraft, like the new PC-12 NG.

When flying with the newest Pilatus PC-12 NG from Goldeck-Flug the flight time is about one hour from Vienna to Innsbruck. Over a distance of 400 km, the total consumption is only 280 litres. With eight passengers it uses less than nine litres per passenger per 100 km while travelling five times as fast as a car. The total CO2 emissions are 800 kg, ar 100 kg per passenger. A car with a normal combustion engine emits at least 150 kg of CO2 on this route alone.

The most widespread aircraft of this class designed for eight passengers consumes three times the amount of fuel and emits 2,100 kg of CO2 with a flight time only 10 minutes quicker.