Florida, USA – Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft has broken ground on a new flagship U.S. Sales, Service, and Production facility at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ). The development marks a strategic expansion of Pilatus’ North American footprint and supports increasing global demand for its PC‑12 and PC‑24 aircraft, with implications for regional aerospace employment, pilot training, and aircraft support infrastructure.

• The Sarasota facility will supplement Pilatus’ Swiss capacity, now near maximum utilisation, and become the company’s fifth U.S. site, setting new regional standards in aircraft sales, service, and production.

• The groundbreaking signifies the first phase of a long‑term investment strategy in Sarasota, with future phases including aircraft assembly, establishing the site as a major North American production hub.

• The site is projected to create 200 new jobs in Florida over the next five years, with expanded apprenticeship programs to support workforce development across the U.S.

• The initiative follows the January 1, 2026 integration of all U.S. Pilatus subsidiaries into a unified entity, Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd, consolidating operations and streamlining systems across Colorado, Maryland, South Carolina, Georgia, and now Florida.

• The decision reflects strong market momentum: over 2,300 Pilatus aircraft are currently operating across North and South America.

• The new site will not affect employment at the Swiss headquarters but will ensure faster delivery and support for U.S. customers of the PC‑12 and PC‑24, which are increasingly used in executive, medical, and special mission roles.

• The project is backed by regional and state-level support, including partnerships with the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority, the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation, and other stakeholders.

Statements

• “Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Pilatus in the United States. We are bringing aircraft production to the United States. This flagship facility will be our fifth location in the USA, and will set new standards for quality, expertise, and technology in the southeastern United States. In America, we will build airplanes for Americans! We are establishing Sarasota as a major production site, serving our customers right where they are.” — Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus

Source: Pilatus Aircraft
Photo Credit: Pilatus Aircraft