Tradewind Aviation received its first PC-12 NGX from Pilatus during a ceremonial handover at the OEM’s U.S. subsidiary in Broomfield, Colorado. Pilatus and Tradewind Aviation executives were both present at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC) to celebrate the milestone, as the charter operator will take delivery of 19 additional PC-12 NGXs over the next five years. The company announced the deal in March.
In a statement, David Zipkin, Tradewind co-founder and chief marketing officer, said, “We’re thrilled to take delivery of the first of twenty brand-new PC-12 NGX aircraft.”
The company is the largest Part 135 operator of PC-12s in the U.S. Zipkin said the additional aircraft would help the company boost its services in North America and the Caribbean.
“The PC-12 NGX provides the perfect balance of efficiency, comfort, and superior performance for shorter flights and hard-to-reach destinations, allowing our clients to save precious time and focus on what’s most important to them,” Zipkin said.
Meanwhile, Pilatus’ president and CEO, Thomas Bosshard, shared that the PC-12 global fleet was nearing 2,000 and 10 million flight hours amid solid customer demand.
“The demand remains very strong among new and returning customers looking to upgrade. Our customers, especially fleet and charter operators, value the PC-12 NGX’s reliability, performance, and elevated passenger experience,” Bosshard said. “We are pleased to celebrate this ceremonial delivery with Tradewind and look forward to commemorating their future growth and success.”
In a social media post, Tradewind Aviation said the aircraft had arrived at its Oxford, Connecticut, headquarters following the handover ceremony.
Tradewind Aviation co-founder and president Eric Zipkin also said he was proud of his company’s progress over the last two decades. “From humble beginnings with a single plane, we have grown to a fleet of 23 and a team of over 220, firmly establishing Tradewind as the leader in many premium markets, including the Northeast and Caribbean,” Zipkin said.
“The continued investment in, and expansion of, our Pilatus fleet is evidence of Tradewind’s continued growth and increased demand for private charter,” said Zipkin, “and we are thankful to our loyal guests and team for making this possible.”
