This article is based on an official press release from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.

Pilatus Aircraft Breaks Ground on Major U.S. Manufacturing Hub in Florida

Swiss aerospace manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft Ltd has officially broken ground on a new flagship facility at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ) in Florida. The ceremony, held in late January 2026, marks a pivotal shift in the company’s strategy, transitioning its U.S. operations from sales and service, to full-scale manufacturing. According to the company, the new site is designed to become a “center of excellence” serving North-America and South America.

The expansion represents a significant financial commitment to the region. Pilatus has outlined a phased development plan on the 17-acre site, beginning with a sales and service center and evolving into a final assembly line for its popular PC-12 and PC-24 aircraft. Company officials stated that the move is intended to streamline logistics and place production closer to their largest customer base.

Investment and Facility Specifications

According to details released by Pilatus and the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, the project involves a substantial capital investment and a long-term construction timeline. The initial phase, focused on a Sales and Service Center, is valued at approximately $50 million. Upon the completion of all phases, including the manufacturing plant, the total projected investment is estimated at $200 million.

The facility will be constructed in two primary stages:

• Phase 1: A 70,000-square-foot facility dedicated to sales, service, and aircraft delivery, expected to open in late 2027.
• Phase 2: A 110,000-square-foot manufacturing and assembly plant, scheduled to follow by the end of the decade.

In terms of employment, Pilatus projects the creation of approximately 50 initial jobs in sales, service, and design. As manufacturing operations ramp up, the company expects the workforce to grow to over 300 employees, including mechanics, engineers, and technicians.

Strategic Shift: “In America, for Americans”

Historically, Pilatus has concentrated its production capabilities at its headquarters in Stans, Switzerland. This new Florida facility represents a strategic diversification of its supply chain. By establishing a final assembly line in the United States, Pilatus aims to mitigate risks associated with currency fluctuations and transatlantic shipping logistics.

Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, emphasized the importance of the U.S. market in the company’s official statement:

“This flagship facility will be our fifth location in the USA, and will set new standards for quality, expertise, and technology in the southeastern United States. In America, we will build airplanes for Americans. We are establishing Sarasota as a major production site, serving our customers right where they are.”

This development coincides with the consolidation of the manufacturer’s American operations. Effective January 1, 2026, the company integrated its various U.S. entities into a single organization, Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd. The Sarasota facility will serve as the headquarters for this unified entity.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision by Pilatus to establish final assembly lines in Florida mirrors a broader trend among European aerospace manufacturers seeking to “onshore” production in their most lucrative markets. Similar to Airbus‘s establishment of assembly lines in Mobile, Alabama, Pilatus is moving to insulate itself from supply chain volatility while embedding itself deeply into the local economy. By marketing “American-built” aircraft, Pilatus likely aims to strengthen its appeal to U.S. corporate and private operators who prioritize domestic sourcing, while simultaneously reducing the lead times and costs associated with ferrying aircraft from Switzerland.

Sustainability and Resilience

The new facility is being designed with strict environmental and safety standards. Pilatus has announced that the site is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification. Key sustainability features include rooftop solar panels to reduce dependency on the local power grid and the utilization of well water for irrigation to minimize impact on public utilities.

Given the location in Florida, resilience against severe weather is a core component of the design. The buildings are engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds with a safety margin exceeding code requirements by 15%. Additionally, the facility will feature raised floors to mitigate flood risks.

Rick Piccolo, President and CEO of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, highlighted the regional impact of the agreement:

“This agreement marks a significant milestone in the economic development not only of the airport but also the region.”

Background on Pilatus Aircraft

Founded in 1939, Pilatus remains the only Swiss company to develop, produce, and sell aircraft globally. The company is best known for the PC-12, the world’s best-selling single-engine turboprop, and the PC-24, a “Super Versatile Jet” capable of operating from short, unpaved runways. Prior to this expansion, Pilatus maintained a U.S. footprint primarily through its facility in Broomfield, Colorado, employing roughly 400 people across the country.

Sources

• Pilatus Aircraft Ltd