The first PC-12 NGX has been handed over to OpenSky Inc., the Japanese “Private Jet Membership” company. From now on, the single-engine turboprop with its unique Asian-style design will carry passengers to destinations all over Japan.
It was already evening when the PC-12 NGX arrived in the Japanese megacity of Osaka after its ferry flight from Switzerland. Even though no information was published in advance, numerous plane spotters outside the airport were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the “Swiss Made” PC-12 NGX.
PC-12 NGX and PC-24
With the cutting-edge PC-12 NGX and one PC-24, OpenSky Inc. serves a discerning clientele, offering a unique travel experience which stands out from the competition in terms of both product and service. The Japanese operator additionally took delivery of a PC-24 Super Versatile Jet this year, which it will also use to offer business flights. In addition, the company has placed an order for a second PC-24 which will be delivered in fall 2024.
Talking about the PC-12, OpenSky CEO Shigeto Honda says: “Our PC-12 NGX has gone viral since arriving in Japan. I’ve already flown several legs in the cabin of PC-12 NGX in Japan, and I’m very pleased. Our first customers to fly with the PC-12 told me they prefer it to the twin-engine turboprop which they used before. The propeller low-speed mode delivers a significant reduction in cabin noise for great passenger comfort.”
Ignaz Gretener, VP General Aviation at Pilatus, is pleased that the PC-12 NGX is now operating in Japan: “Business customers all over the world appreciate the unique capabilities of the PC-12 NGX and the PC-24. The dynamic team at OpenSky Inc. understands how to deliver the premium service that will go hand in hand with these aircraft. Thank you very much to this outstanding Japanese company for their confidence in Pilatus and we are proud that our aircraft now have an opportunity to prove themselves in this important market."
About the PC-12 NGX
The PC-12 NGX features an all-new interior by BMW Designworks, larger cabin windows inspired by the PC-24 and passenger seats which convert to a flat bed. The new PT6 E-Series engine by Pratt & Whitney Canada is equipped with an electronic propeller and engine control system. New avionics functions by Honeywell such as touchscreen control, tactile feedback and “propeller low speed” mode as well as fully integrated automatic thrust management (autothrottle) are just a few of the features in the new cockpit.
