The Pilatus PC-12 Breakdown: Models, Performance, Value & What’s Next

Why is the PC-12 Range So Sought After?

First of all, let’s begin with a little history.

The Pilatus PC-12 was first launched in 1991 by Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, an independent Swiss company headquartered in Stans, Switzerland. What started as a focused ambition to build a versatile, rugged, and uniquely capable single-engine turboprop soon evolved into one of the most successful aircraft programs in aviation history.

And not by accident. This wasn’t a gamble - it was Swiss precision engineering meeting a very real market demand. Business travelers, governments, medevac operators, and private owners were all starting to want the same thing: a no-nonsense aircraft that could do it all without compromise.

Built Like a Tank — But Flies Like a Jet

What makes the PC-12 range so compelling is not just its versatility, but its sheer practicality. This is a high-performance aircraft with STOL (short takeoff and landing) capability, that can operate from gravel, grass, or paved runways with equal confidence.

It’s powered by the Pratt & Whitney PT6A, arguably the most reliable engine ever built - the kind of powerplant you’d want if you were flying over mountains, oceans, or remote regions. Pair that with a pressurized cabin, a range of over 1,800 nautical miles, and the ability to land where jets can’t... and you’ve got a category-defining machine.

The Cabin Surprise: It’s Not What You Think

Step inside, and you forget you’re in a single-engine turboprop. This is where Swiss sensibility meets elegance. The cabin is spacious, pressurized, and whisper-quiet (especially in the newer NGX), offering club seating, worktables, Wi-Fi, and baggage access in-flight.

You’ll find the PC-12 being used for medevac, executive transport, and even government ops - and yet, it’s still intimate enough for owner-pilots to fly solo or with family. It’s an aircraft that feels equally comfortable in the hands of a charter operator or a billionaire.

The Resale King of Turboprops

Now let’s talk economics.

The PC-12 is not just a practical machine — it’s an investment that holds. Compared to other aircraft in its category, the PC-12 has some of the strongest residual values in the business. Operators love them because they’re low on fuel burn and high on dispatch reliability. Buyers love them because they don’t sit on the market long.

Add to that a growing charter demand (especially in Europe and North America), and the aircraft becomes a working asset, not just a luxury tool.

Why Operators (And Charter Clients) Ask for it by Name

At AeroProp, we’ve spoken with operators who’ve swapped whole fleets of King Airs or light jets for PC-12s. Why?

• Easier maintenance planning

• More flexible mission profiles

• Lower DOCs (Direct Operating Costs)

• And - most importantly - clients love flying in them

Whether it’s a private family flying from Geneva to Tuscany, or a corporate group landing on a remote strip in the Nordics, the PC-12 delivers the kind of experience you'd expect from a much larger jet - just with half the operating headache.

A Timeline of the PC-12 Family: What’s Changed Over Time?

The PC-12 has gone through several major updates since its introduction, each one refining its already strong DNA. Here's how the range evolved:

PC-12/41 (1991–2006)

• The original production version

• Powered by PT6A-67B engine, 1,200 shp

• Basic avionics (non-EFIS in early models), traditional steam gauges

• Range: ~1,560 NM

• Max cruise: ~260 KTAS

💬 These aircraft are workhorses — especially in cargo and remote ops. Many are still flying, though cockpit upgrades are often needed.

PC-12/45 (1996–2006)

• Upgraded max takeoff weight (4,740 kg)

• Slight interior improvements, more system refinements

• Still using PT6A-67B

💬 This became the charter favorite — still plenty of these on the market at lower price points (~$1.5M–$2.5M), depending on avionics and engine time.

PC-12 NG (2008–2020)

• “Next Generation” overhaul

• New avionics suite: Honeywell Primus Apex glass cockpit

• More powerful PT6A-67P engine with better climb and cruise

• Cabin improvements and optional executive layouts

• Improved pressurization and payload flexibility

💬 The NG was a game changer — values for late NGs (2017–2019) remain strong, often $3.5M–$4.8M+. Ideal for charter or owner-operator use.

PC-12 NGX (2020–present)

• Most modern version to date

• Brand-new PT6E-67XP engine with FADEC — first single-engine turboprop with it

• Auto-throttle, quieter cabin (thanks to redesigned prop), even more luxury options

• Executive "BMW Designworks" interior options

• Upgraded Apex suite with touchscreen controls

• New windows, smoother ride, higher top cruise (290 KTAS)

💬 This is the gold standard right now. A new NGX lists around $7.2M, with strong resale expected given high demand and limited production slots.

Value Evolution: How the Upgrades Affect the Price

Here’s what the progression looks like in terms of price positioning:

Model	Year Range	Avg. Market Price (USD)	Key Value Drivers
PC-12/41	1991–2006	$1.5M – $2.3M	Avionics age, engine time, paint/interior
PC-12/45	1996–2006	$1.6M – $2.5M	WAAS upgrades, RVSM mods, 5-blade prop
PC-12 NG	2008–2020	$2.9M – $5M	Gogo WiFi, seating config, maintenance status
PC-12 NGX	2020–Now	$6.5M – $8M+	Delivery time, avionics, corporate interior

💡 Pro Tip: You can often add value with cockpit upgrades (e.g. WAAS LPV, ADS-B, 5-blade props), but only if the airframe time and cosmetic condition justify it.

What's Coming Next for the PC-12?

Pilatus is famously quiet about what's coming until it’s ready to show - but here’s what we’re watching closely:

• Increased avionics integration: Think Garmin-based options or next-gen Apex with AI-assisted diagnostics.

• Sustainability tweaks: SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) compatibility and further efficiency gains.

• Cabin personalization: Even more tailored options for charter and private use, building on NGX's luxury line.

There’s no official announcement of a “PC-12 NGX+” - yet - but with long lead times and backlog stretching into late 2026, it’s clear the demand is still pushing the limits of Pilatus production.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for flash, there are shinier toys. If you're looking for compromise, the market’s full of it, but if you're looking for a tool that works, that lasts, and that’s trusted by pilots, operators, and owners around the world - the PC-12 is in a class of its own.

Stay tuned - we’ll be diving deeper into the PC-12 NGX, real operating costs, how to configure one for charter, and even where they hold value best.

Want early access to upcoming listings, insights, or off-market PC-12s? Connect with us on LinkedIn or send an email: pw@prop.aero