French Navy Leases Pilatus PC24 Jets with Jet Aviation Support

Jet Aviation Seals Deal to Supply and Support French Navy’s New PC-24 Fleet

In a significant move to modernize its naval aviation capabilities, the French Navy is set to receive a new fleet of Pilatus PC-24 aircraft. The agreement, announced on October 29, 2025, places Jet Aviation at the center of a comprehensive acquisition and sustainment program. This partnership underscores a growing trend in military procurement, where specialized private sector expertise is leveraged to manage complex assets, ensuring long-term operational readiness and efficiency. The deal was formalized with the French government’s aerospace maintenance division, the Direction de la Maintenance Aéronautique (DMAé), highlighting a collaborative approach to enhancing national defense infrastructure.

The core of the agreement involves Jet Aviation purchasing three Pilatus PC-24 jets and subsequently leasing them to the French Navy. This arrangement is more than a simple hardware transaction; it encompasses a full-spectrum support package. Jet Aviation, a subsidiary of General Dynamics with over five decades of maintenance experience, will provide on-site maintenance, airworthiness management, and logistical support. This integrated solution is designed to deliver mission success by ensuring the fleet remains in peak condition, ready for deployment at all times. The selection of the PC-24, a versatile and modern aircraft, signals the French Navy’s commitment to adopting advanced, multi-role platforms for its diverse operational needs.

A Strategic Partnership for Modern Naval Aviation

The collaboration between Jet Aviation, Pilatus, and the French DMAé represents a strategic alignment of capabilities. Jet Aviation brings to the table over 35 years of experience supporting government fleets, a critical factor in securing the contract. Their role as the prime contractor and lessor simplifies the procurement process for the French Navy, providing a single point of contact for both the aircraft and its long-term upkeep. This model allows the military to focus on its core operational duties while relying on a trusted partner for the technical and logistical complexities of fleet management.

The aircraft at the heart of this deal, the Pilatus PC-24, is dubbed the “Super Versatile Jet” for good reason. It is designed for single-pilot operations, features a large cargo door for logistical flexibility, and is certified for use on unpaved runways. These characteristics make it an ideal platform for the French Navy’s intended missions, which include pilot training, proficiency checks under various visibility conditions, and the rapid transport of urgent cargo. The PC-24’s adaptability ensures it can meet a wide range of demands, from routine training exercises to critical support missions.

The delivery schedule is set to be swift, with the first aircraft expected in February 2026 and the remaining two arriving later that year. This timeline underscores the efficiency of the partnership and the readiness of all parties to execute the program. With this acquisition, the French Navy will become the first European military to operate the Pilatus PC-24, setting a precedent for other nations considering similar fleet modernization efforts. The program’s success could serve as a blueprint for future government aviation contracts across the continent.

“With over 55 years of maintenance experience, including over 35 years working with governmental fleets, we are committed to providing our customers with solutions that are specifically tailored to meet their individual mission needs.”, Jeremie Caillet, President, Jet Aviation

Comprehensive Sustainment: The Key to Operational Readiness

Beyond the initial acquisition, the long-term sustainment services provided by Jet Aviation are a cornerstone of this agreement. The contract includes on-site line and base maintenance, as well as Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization (CAMO) services. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of the fleet’s health, from routine checks to complex repairs and regulatory compliance, is managed by a dedicated team of experts. By embedding support services at the fleet’s home base, Jet Aviation guarantees maximum operational availability.

Fabien Fuster, Jet Aviation’s Vice President of Government Services for EMEA, emphasized the company’s commitment to ensuring the fleet’s readiness. “Following delivery of the aircraft, our team will provide sustainment activities at their home base ensuring operational readiness at all times,” he stated. This on-location support model minimizes downtime and streamlines the maintenance process, allowing the French Navy to maintain a high tempo of operations without being burdened by logistical hurdles. Jet Aviation’s global network of 16 maintenance sites provides a deep reservoir of expertise to draw upon for any challenge that may arise.

The partnership also highlights the strong relationship between Jet Aviation and the aircraft manufacturer, Pilatus. Ioannis Papachristofilou, Vice President of Government Aviation at Pilatus, noted the “exemplary and instrumental” collaboration in securing the contract. This synergy between the maintenance provider and the original equipment manufacturer creates a powerful value proposition, offering the end-user a seamless and highly efficient support system. The result is a program that not only delivers a state-of-the-art aircraft but also a robust framework to keep it flying safely and effectively for years to come.

Conclusion: A New Model for European Defense Procurement

The agreement between Jet Aviation and the French Navy marks a pivotal moment in European military aviation. It demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to fleet modernization, prioritizing versatility, cost-efficiency, and long-term operational sustainability. By leasing the Pilatus PC-24 aircraft and bundling it with a comprehensive support package, the French Navy gains access to a cutting-edge platform without the immense upfront capital investment and logistical overhead typically associated with military procurement. This model allows for greater flexibility and adaptability in the face of evolving defense requirements.

Ultimately, this collaboration serves as a powerful case study for other government and military operators. The successful integration of a private sector maintenance expert with a leading aircraft manufacturer provides a streamlined, effective solution for managing sophisticated aviation assets. As defense budgets face increasing scrutiny, such innovative partnerships that maximize value and ensure mission readiness are likely to become the standard. The French Navy’s new PC-24 fleet, supported by Jet Aviation, is poised to demonstrate the tangible benefits of this modern, collaborative approach to national security.

FAQ

Question: What aircraft is the French Navy acquiring?
Answer: The French Navy is acquiring three Pilatus PC-24 aircraft, known as the “Super Versatile Jet.”

Question: What is Jet Aviation’s role in this agreement?
Answer: Jet Aviation is purchasing the three PC-24 aircraft and leasing them to the French Navy. The company will also provide a complete, long-term sustainment package, including maintenance and airworthiness management.

Question: What will the aircraft be used for?
Answer: The primary missions for the PC-24 fleet will be pilot training (with and without visibility), periodic pilot checks, and the transport of urgent cargo.

Question: When will the aircraft be delivered?
Answer: The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in February 2026, with the other two arriving later in the same year.

Sources

• Jet Aviation