News Release

Tradewind Aviation welcomes five more Pilatus PC-12 aircraft

Tradewind Aviation, the US leader in regional air mobility, announced today the receipt of five additional Pilatus aircraft, including two new Pilatus PC-12 NGX turboprops directly from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. The arrival of the new aircraft, one in April, the other in May, brings the number of new NGXs Tradewind has received to three since it finalised an order for 20 new aircraft with the Swiss aerospace manufacturer in February 2022.

Tradewind now operates 24 Pilatus PC-12s, including owned and managed aircraft, giving it one of the largest Pilatus fleets in the world as well as the status as a fleet operator to secure direct support from the manufacturer. Tradewind's growing fleet supports its expansion into the southeast US market, further growth in the northeast and Caribbean, and the upcoming launch of scheduled routes to Newport and Virgin Gorda.

The two new NGX aircraft were flown in by Tradewind pilots following interior finishing and paint at the manufacturer's U.S. facility in Broomfield, Colorado, and put directly into service in Tradewind's northeast region. Subsequent deliveries will follow the same path, arriving at a rate of four aircraft per year over the next five years.

As Tradewind's fleet of NGX's continues to grow, with the fourth and fifth new aircraft anticipated to arrive in October and November 2023 respectively, some of the aircraft will be housed at the company's new 50,000 square-foot hangar complex at Hudson Valley Regional Airport in Dutchess County, New York.

With demand for Tradewind's private and scheduled flights growing, the addition of new aircraft strengthens the airline's long-running relationship with the manufacturer. Tradewind's history with Pilatus dates from 2003, when the airline began building a fleet with Pilatus PC-12s to improve the flight experience for its guests.

The NGX turboprop is the latest generation of the Pilatus PC-12 model, featuring enhancements that improve efficiency and passenger comfort. The aircraft's engine is computer-controlled, enabling lower fuel burn and lower propeller RPM, which reduces noise in the cabin and makes for more pleasant flights for guests and crew.

The NGX is also a positive for sustainability, a passion for Tradewind's leadership, further reducing fuel burn and introducing a platform that is approved for sustainable aviation fuel. That complements Tradewind's Carbon Offset Program, through which the company automatically purchases carbon offsets for all operated flights throughout North America and the Caribbean at no cost to guests.

“The arrival of new aircraft is always an exciting development in the aviation industry and particularly for us as we continue to grow our fleet of Pilatus PC-12 NGX turboprops and strengthen our partnership with a well-respected industry leader,” said Eric Zipkin, co-founder and president of Tradewind Aviation. “With Citation CJ3 Jet aircraft also part of our fleet, Tradewind is well equipped to broaden our flight options and provide a great experience for guests and crew on short- and medium-range flights across the map.”