The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced that shipments of every type of general aviation airplane increased in 2006. These strong numbers have led to another record high in industry billings, and the Pilatus PC-12 remains the top selling single model of turbine-powered business aircraft for the fourth consecutive year.

The PC-12 is in its 14th year of production and it is now being produced at the highest rate to date. 90 PC-12s were delivered worldwide in 2006.

2006 Top Selling Turbine Business Aircraft
Model	2006 Sales
1. Pilatus PC-12	90
2. Citation XLS	73
3. Citation CJ3	72
4. Grand Caravan	59
5. Sovereign	57

Source: GAMA

Customers cite the PC-12’s combination of speed, large pressurized cabin, short field performance, and oversized cargo door along with the favorable economics of a single-engine turboprop as the reasons behind its popularity.

“People recognize that the PC-12’s size and performance, its efficiency, quality and high value retention make it the best value on the market today”, said Thomas Bosshard, CEO of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. “Looking forward, we are confident that the Next Generation PC-12, which is slated for certification at the end of 2007, will further strengthen those traditions.”

The Next Generation PC-12 features a number of improvements, including a fully integrated Honeywell Primus Apex avionics system, a new cockpit designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA, and a more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engine.