Pilatus Resumes U.S. Deliveries – However There is Still Tariff Uncertainty
Swiss aircraft maker Pilatus has resumed U.S. deliveries of its newest turboprop, the PC–12 Pro, after a months-long pause triggered by steep import tariffs. The first aircraft was handed over November 4 at the company’s North American headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado, with more shipments expected before year’s end.
Pilatus halted U.S. deliveries in August after the United States imposed a 39-percent tariff on Swiss imports. The company now says it will continue honoring contracts with American customers through the end of 2025 but stopped short of committing beyond that date.
“For the time being, Pilatus will honor its contractual responsibilities toward its U.S. clients and dealers by ensuring deliveries until the end of 2025,” Jérôme Zbinden, executive assistant to the chairman, said in an email. “Intensive discussions have been held with U.S. sales partners and end customers to develop transition solutions regarding trade tariffs.”
The decision comes as the U.S. Supreme Court weighs a case challenging the president’s authority to impose such tariffs. During November 5 oral arguments, justices questioned the legal basis for the levies, including the 39-percent rate on Swiss goods. According to Reuters, their skepticism has fueled speculation the tariffs could be overturned — though potentially replaced by new duties under a different framework.
Zbinden said Pilatus’s U.S. operations, including its final assembly line in Colorado and other facilities employing about 400 workers, need to stay at full capacity despite the financial strain. “Overall, however, this move will result in a considerable loss of earnings for Pilatus,” he said.
Pilatus unveiled the $6.8 million PC–12 Pro in March, just weeks before President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on most imports. The latest iteration of the popular single-engine turboprop features a Garmin G3000 Prime flight deck and Garmin Autoland capability. Since the PC–12’s debut in 1994, more than 2,200 units have been delivered worldwide, logging over 11 million flight hours — more than any other aircraft in its class.
Read our previous article about U.S tariffs here