On January 23, Swiss business jet manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft marked the official start of construction for Phase One of its sales, service, and manufacturing facilities at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. The ceremonial turn of the shovels signals a major investment in the region and a growing footprint for business aviation in Florida.
The first phase of the project will cost $60 million and cover 71,000 square feet. It will house Pilatus’ U.S. sales operations and is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete. According to CEO Markus Bucher, by the time all phases are complete, the total investment could reach $200 million.
Until now, all Pilatus aircraft have been assembled at the company’s headquarters in Stans, Switzerland. Once Phase Two of the SRQ facility is finished, the company plans to assemble its PC-24 twin-engine business jet at the airport. The base price of the PC-24 is just under $11 million and can range from $12 million to $14 million depending on customization. Bucher explained that this will be the first time Pilatus builds airplanes outside of Switzerland and that the move is part of a broader U.S. strategy that began about three years ago.
Florida was chosen as the site for several reasons. Wealth is shifting from California to Florida, making the state a key market for business aviation. The facility also provides access to a 17-acre plot on the north quadrant of the airport, which Pilatus will lease for 40 years at $400,000 per year. The site is adjacent to the recently opened fixed-base operator Sheltair and offers room for long-term growth.
The SRQ facility is expected to create approximately 200 new jobs over the next five years, with an average wage of $80,000 per year. In total, Pilatus anticipates creating 350 jobs when factoring in the facility’s maintenance, sales, and assembly operations. Beyond direct employment, Pilatus’ presence is expected to indirectly support additional jobs in Sarasota and Manatee counties as high-net-worth clients arrive for business, dining, and leisure.
Pilatus is gradually expanding its North American footprint with existing facilities in Broomfield, Colorado; Westminster, Maryland; Rock Hill, South Carolina; and Atlanta. At SRQ, the company will initially assemble the shell of its aircraft before flying them to other facilities for painting and interior finishing. Bucher hinted that additional operations, including pilot training and interior work, could eventually be located in Sarasota as well.
More than half of Pilatus’ supply chain for parts and equipment originates in the United States. Having an assembly facility at SRQ will provide greater efficiency than shipping components from Switzerland and positions Pilatus to better serve the growing U.S. market.
“We are bigger than Piper, smaller than Gulfstream, and we believe we serve a market in the U.S. where there is the highest demand in the class of the PC-12 and PC-24. That is why we are investing $200 million here,” Bucher said.
SRQ President and CEO Paul Hoback welcomed the company, emphasizing the long-term benefits to the region. “This is a long-term investment that will lead to a production and assembly facility right here at SRQ. These are business jets that are going to be made in America and for the American transportation industry. We are proud to welcome you to paradise.”
Takeaway
Pilatus’ expansion at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is a significant milestone for the region. It brings hundreds of high-paying jobs, strengthens the local aerospace ecosystem, and highlights Florida as a strategic hub for business aviation. For the community, this is more than an investment in a building. It is an investment in economic growth, innovation, and long-term opportunity for Sarasota and Manatee counties.
