Pilatus Aircraft Ltd has signed an agreement with Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority officials to develop a factory-owned sales, design, and service center in Bradenton, Florida. The Airport Authority operates and manages Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. Seventeen acres on the north side of the airport are to be developed for construction of the new sales and service facility.
According to Pilatus, the new Customer Center will initially employ more than 50 people to manage aircraft sales, service, design, and delivery of Pilatus aircraft in the Southeastern U.S. The U.S. is Pilatus’ largest market for business aircraft.
The initial development is to include 54,000 square feet dedicated to maintenance activity, spare parts distribution, and new aircraft deliveries, plus an additional 17,000 square feet of workshop, office, and administrative space. The facility is scheduled to be operational by mid-2026. Future growth plans for the Bradenton location include final assembly of aircraft slated for delivery to North and South America. The facility may ultimately employ as many as 300 people.
Pilatus said that Florida and the U.S. East Coast represent the highest concentration of Pilatus aircraft operations, sales, and service activity in the world. In 2022, more than 6,200 Pilatus flight operations were conducted in the state of Florida alone.
Raymond Jaworowski currently co-authors three of Forecast International's best-selling products: Civil Aircraft Forecast, Military Aircraft Forecast, and Rotorcraft Forecast. As a contributor to Aviation Week & Space Technology's Aerospace Source Book, he has authored Aircraft Outlooks, and provided input for the publication's Aircraft Specifications tables. Raymond has represented Forecast International at numerous conferences and trade shows, often as a featured speaker. He is a member of the American Helicopter Society.
