Oriens Aviation, the authorised Pilatus centre for the British Isles, has added the Williams FJ44 service station status to its expertise, as it celebrates becoming a fully authorised PC-24 service centre. The company completed its first annual check on a PC-24 for a private UK customer at its London Biggin Hill airport facility last week, adding to its capability on the PC-12 family.

In addition, Oriens has obtained its EASA Part 145 accreditation, alongside its national UK CAA certificate, enabling it to continue working on European-registered PC-12 and PC-24 aircraft, post Brexit. A number of its customers, especially on the PC-12, come to the UK from overseas.

“We are delighted to broaden our expertise on the Pilatus Aircraft family and become the Williams approved service station for the FJ44 engine serving the Pilatus PC-24 in the UK,” says Edwin Brenninkmeyer, Oriens Aviation CEO. “It is timely too, as we mark our third anniversary at our newest Biggin Hill home.”

Since the launch of its maintenance facilities in 2018, Oriens has doubled its workforce and made significant investment in training and tooling. The business has kept open to support essential MRO during the first, second and ongoing lockdown in the UK. “We are pleased to have offered continued seamless support for our new and existing clients,” notes maintenance general manager Stuart Locke.

“Sales interest in the PC-12 NGX and the PC-24 jet from potential UK and Ireland customers has not abated either,” adds Brenninkmeyer. Oriens has sold all of its new Pilatus Aircraft positions for 2021. However, customers can still secure new PC-12 NGX and PC-24 positions for delivery in 2022. “Pilatus' announcement late last year that it has secured EASA and FAA approval for a 10-passenger seat PC-24 is an exciting development.” He is hopeful that it may trigger interest from the corporate market when the borders open up.

He continues: “Health and safety concerns are uppermost, so travelling in a secure environment is a big driver for entrepreneurs and business owners who want to keep their employees and families safe. This 10-seat variant could be especially appealing as a corporate shuttle. The PC-24 is unique in its class, with its mid-size cabin, combining jet speed and short runway performance (paved and unpaved) from 893 metres upwards, with an attractive 17 sq ft aft cargo door.”

“Over five years the Oriens team have made an enormous contribution adding to and supporting our Pilatus family, and we are delighted that Oriens Aviation is now a fully approved PC-24 service centre,” comments Ignaz Gretener, VP of general aviation at Pilatus. “This will give even greater flexibility to our clients when planning their maintenance visits. Oriens' base at Biggin Hill remains a highly attractive business aviation airport for many of the Pilatus customers, with good opening hours.”