The most advanced single-engine turboprop arrives in Southern Africa
Pilatus PC-12 Centre Southern Africa has reached a significant milestone with the delivery of the first two Pilatus PC-12 PRO aircraft to South African owners. These deliveries introduce the latest evolution of Pilatus’ flagship single-engine turboprop to Southern Africa.
Speaking to African Pilot, Pascal Wyss, Sales Director at Pilatus PC-12 Centre Southern Africa, confirmed that both aircraft have already entered service with their new owners. “These clients are experienced PC-12 operators and recognised the significant technological and operational advantages offered by the new PRO,” Wyss said.
While the identities of the owners remain confidential, both aircraft are being utilised for business travel and site visits to smaller and remote airfields across South Africa and neighbouring countries.
“The distances between major hubs and regional airfields are where the PC-12’s range, efficiency and short-field performance truly stand out,” Wyss explained. “Our clients value the aircraft’s ability to safely and efficiently bring them closer to their final destination.”
About the PC-12 PRO
The PC-12 PRO is the latest evolution of the world’s best-selling single-engine turboprop in its class. Building on the proven PC-12 platform, the PRO introduces a completely redesigned cockpit centred on the Garmin G3000 PRIME integrated flight deck.
G3000 Prime features five touchscreen displays—three 14-inch Primary Display Units (PDUs) and two 7-inch Secondary Display Units—with edge-to-edge, sunlight-readable, fingerprint-resistant glass. Primary Flight and Multi-Function windows can be shown full-screen or split-screen, and quick-access bars provide one-touch access to maps, traffic, weather and charts. Processing is four times faster than earlier G3000 systems, with additional control via a Pilatus console-mounted cursor control device.
Safety is enhanced with Safety Autoland and the Garmin G700 flight controller for speed and envelope protection. During avionics initialisation, pilots can pre-configure Emergency Return to simplify responses to an emergency shortly after take-off. Taxiway Routing now provides automated guidance on 2D maps and 3D Synthetic Vision (SVT), while CAS-linked smart checklists open instantly by tapping the related alert.
Weather capability is strengthened by the Garmin GWX 8000 digital radar. Its 12-inch antenna required a slightly larger radome, and—fully integrated into G3000 Prime—it improves detection of rain, hail and turbulence, extends range, and adds ground-clutter suppression, vertical scanning and automatic tilt management.
The Most Advanced Single
In a single-engine aircraft, reliability begins with the engine. The PC-12 PRO is powered by the latest generation Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6, widely regarded as the most reliable turboprop engine ever produced. With more than 60,000 engines in service and over 400 million flight hours, the PT6 family has an unmatched global track record.
Within the PC-12 fleet alone, the PT6 has accumulated over eleven million flight hours, validating its performance and durability in real-world operations. Like its predecessor, the PC-12 PRO is also capable of operating on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), supporting more environmentally responsible flying without compromising performance.
The aircraft is further enhanced by a fully automatic Electronic Propeller and Engine Control System (EPECS), combined with digital thrust control (autothrottle). This system reduces pilot workload, improves fuel efficiency, delivers smoother power management, and provides protection against engine exceedances.
Together with new interior options and refined cabin appointments, these advancements position the PC-12 PRO as the most technologically advanced, highest-performing, and most reliable single-engine turboprop aircraft in its class.
A New Benchmark for the Region
The arrival of the first PC-12 PRO in Southern Africa represents a new benchmark for single-engine turboprop operations, offering operators a unique combination of versatility, efficiency, safety, and comfort. Pilatus PC-12 Centre Southern Africa looks ahead to delivering more PC-12s into the region in the second half of 2026.
For more information about the PC-12 PRO, contact the Pilatus PC-12 Centre Southern Africa
