Ownership Cost
Pilatus PC-24 Operating and Ownership Costs
Discover the Pilatus PC-24 operating and ownership costs, with a focus on operating the business jet in North America.
BenedictPrivate Aviation ConsultantUpdated October 5, 2026 · Published November 15, 2024 · 8 min read
Thinking about the PC-24 operating cost as you consider the Pilatus PC-24 for your flying needs?
Renowned for its impressive versatility and exceptional performance, the PC-24 is a standout choice for many operators.
However, understanding all the costs involved is crucial before making a purchase.
What factors will truly impact your budget, and how can you make an informed decision to align with your financial goals?
Key Takeaways
- Careful cost management and tax planning are crucial for PC-24 owners
- Flown 200 hours a year, CRAFT estimates the Pilatus PC-24 costs about $1,271,511 a year to own and operate: $712,311 in fixed costs plus $2,796 a flight hour.
Overview of the Pilatus PC-24
The Pilatus PC-24 is a versatile super light jet that has made a big splash in private aviation. It stands out with its impressive specs and strong market position. This has made it a favorite among jet owners and operators.
The PC-24’s design focuses on a spacious cabin. It’s 5’1″ high, 5’8″ wide, and 23’0″ long. This gives room for up to 8 passengers. It also has a big baggage capacity of 90 cubic feet, perfect for both work and leisure trips.
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Cabin Height | 5’1″ |
| Cabin Width | 5’8″ |
| Cabin Length | 23’0″ |
| Baggage Capacity | 90 cu. ft. |
The PC-24’s performance is top-notch. It has a balanced field length of 2,810 feet and a landing distance of 2,355 feet. This makes it great for landing at many airports, giving owners and operators more options.
In the market, the PC-24 is seen as a super light jet. It has a fleet size of 189 aircraft, placing it in the midsize jet market. It competes with other popular models in this category.
The PC-24 is powered by two Williams FJ44-4A engines. These engines give the aircraft the power it needs. The avionics suite is the advanced Honeywell Primus Epic 2.0 system. This ensures pilots have the latest technology and functionality.
“The Pilatus PC-24 is a true game-changer in the super light jet market, offering a winning combination of performance, cabin comfort, and operational flexibility.”
Initial Purchase Price of the PC-24
The Pilatus PC-24, a versatile private jet from Switzerland, has caught a lot of attention. It starts at an initial price of $8.9 million. This has made it a favorite among both aircraft fans and business leaders.
Looking at recent trends, the PC-24’s price varies. It can range from $9,695,000 to $15,000,000. This depends on the model year and how many hours it has flown. The average hours flown by these jets is around 1,000. Some have flown as little as 140 hours, while others have flown up to 2,240 hours.
| Aircraft Model | Purchase Price Range | Average Flight Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Pilatus PC-24 | $9,695,000 – $15,000,000 | 1,000 hours |
The PC-24’s mix of versatility and performance has made it a hit in the light jet market. Orders for it sold out fast. In fact, Pilatus received 84 orders in just a few hours, showing how much people want this jet.
“The Pilatus PC-24 sold out its orders for the next five years in a matter of hours, receiving a total of 84 orders.”
As the PC-24’s price and market trends change, it’s key for potential buyers to keep up. They should think about their needs and budget when looking at this aircraft.
Financing Options for the PC-24
Acquiring the Pilatus PC-24 offers many financing choices. These include traditional loans, leasing, and fractional ownership. These options make flying private more accessible.
Leasing the PC-24 is a popular choice. It lets you enjoy private jet benefits without a huge upfront cost. You can choose between dry leases, where you handle everything, or wet leases, where the lessor does.
Fractional ownership programs are another option. They allow several people to share a PC-24’s costs. This is great for those who need private jet access but don’t use it all the time.
“The Pilatus PC-24’s innovative design, operational flexibility, and attractive financing options make it a compelling choice for businesses and individuals seeking a versatile private jet solution.”
Choosing the right financing is crucial. It’s important to weigh the costs and benefits of each option. By understanding your choices, you can make the best decision for your needs.
Direct Operating Costs of the PC-24
Flown 200 hours a year, the Pilatus PC-24 costs about $1,271,511 to own and operate: $712,311 a year in fixed costs plus $2,796 a flight hour, or about $6,358 an hour once the fixed costs are spread over those hours. These are CRAFT's own estimates, built the same way for every aircraft; how we work them out is at the end of this page.
| Annual cost | 100 hours / year | 200 hours / year | 400 hours / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total fixed costs | $712,311 | $712,311 | $712,311 |
| Total variable costs | $279,600 | $559,200 | $1,118,400 |
| Total annual operating cost | $991,911 | $1,271,511 | $1,830,711 |
| Total per flight hour | $9,919 | $6,358 | $4,577 |
Indirect Operating Costs of the PC-24
When you own a Pilatus PC-24, you face more than just the cost of flying. You also have to think about hangar rental, insurance, and depreciation. These costs add up and are key to figuring out how much owning a light business jet really costs.
This money goes towards keeping the plane safe and in top shape. It’s a way to protect your investment from the weather and keep it running smoothly.
Insurance is another big expense.These policies are vital for protecting the plane and its owners.
Depreciation is also a big deal for PC-24 owners. The rate of depreciation can change, but it’s something to think about. Planning how you use and maintain your plane can help keep its value up.
Knowing about these indirect costs helps you understand the full cost of owning a PC-24. This knowledge is key to making smart choices about your private aviation investment.
Cost Comparison with Similar Aircraft
When looking at the Pilatus PC-24, it’s key to compare its costs with other midsize jets.
Let’s compare the PC-24 with the Cessna Citation CJ4 and the Embraer Phenom 300. The CJ4 has a cabin of 311 cubic feet, and the Phenom 300 has 324 cubic feet. But the PC-24 has a larger cabin of 501 cubic feet. This means more room and comfort for passengers.
| Specification | Pilatus PC-24 | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Embraer Phenom 300 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Range | 1,950 nm | 1,991 nm | 1,937 nm |
| Maximum Speed | 425 knots | 451 knots | 453 knots |
| Take-off Distance | 2,690 ft | 3,310 ft | 3,138 ft |
| Baggage Capacity | 90 cubic ft | 76 cubic ft | 85 cubic ft |
| Maximum Payload | 2,500 lb | 2,518 lb | 2,416 lb |
The PC-24 stands out for its performance. It has a shorter take-off distance and can carry more payload. Even though it’s not the fastest, its versatility and flexibility make it a great choice for many.
Variable vs. Fixed Operating Costs
Fixed costs are paid whether the jet flies or not: crew pay and benefits, recurrent training, hangar, insurance, management and other fixed items, about $712,311 a year for the Pilatus PC-24. Variable costs come with each flight hour: fuel, maintenance, an engine reserve, landing, handling and crew travel, and other items, about $2,796 an hour, of which fuel is $1,463.
| Fixed cost | Per year |
|---|---|
| Crew Salary | $311,079 |
| Crew Training | $38,000 |
| Hangar | $39,270 |
| Insurance | $32,250 |
| Management | $45,000 |
| Miscellaneous Fixed | $40,000 |
| Maintenance Program (monthly) | $206,712 |
| Total | $712,311 |
| Variable cost | Per flight hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel Cost | $1,463 |
| Maintenance | $820 |
| Engine Overhaul | $0 |
| Crew/Landing/Handling Fees | $400 |
| Miscellaneous Variable | $113 |
| Total | $2,796 |
Fuel: the Pilatus PC-24 burns about 191 gallons an hour (Conklin & de Decker average hourly fuel burn, Pilatus PC-24), so at $7.66 a gallon (Oct 4, 2026) fuel is $1,463 an hour. At today's estimate, $7.69 a gallon (Oct 6, 2026), it is about $1,469. Contract fuel often costs less than the posted price. Jet fuel price today
Ownership Structure Impacts on Costs
The way you own a Pilatus PC-24 affects its costs. If you own it privately, you might fly it 450 hours a year. But, if you use it for charter, you could fly it more.
Corporate ownership might change tax rules and how you use the plane. This also changes the costs. To save money, understanding these differences is key. It affects things like depreciation, taxes, and upkeep.
PC-24 owners should talk to tax experts and aviation lawyers. They can help you save money. This includes using tax breaks like bonus depreciation for new or used planes.
“The choice of ownership structure could have a significant impact on the excise tax implications for operating a Pilatus PC-24.”
Cost Management Strategies
Managing the costs of a Pilatus PC-24 private jet is key. Its fuel efficiency, using 191 gallons per hour at 440 knots, helps keep costs down.
Keeping the PC-24 in top shape is also vital. Regular maintenance and using authorized service centers like Lufthansa Technik AG helps control costs. The PC-24’s design, including brushless AC starters, adds to its reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Smart flight planning is another must for PC-24 owners. Its ability to land on short runways, like Staniel Cay’s 3,030-ft. runways, saves on ground transport costs. This can lead to big savings in time and money, especially for those who value efficiency.
By focusing on fuel, maintenance, and flight planning, PC-24 owners can manage costs well. This approach ensures a great flying experience while keeping ownership costs in check.
Tax Implications of PC-24 Ownership
The Pilatus PC-24 offers big tax benefits for owners. Its high price of $12,347,500 means lots of depreciation deductions. This can save a lot on taxes. Using the PC-24 for business also opens up more cost deductions, lowering ownership costs.
The PC-24’s high cost means big tax write-offs are possible. Owners can use special tax rules to quickly deduct a big part of the cost. This is thanks to IRS rules like Section 179 and bonus depreciation.
Business use of the PC-24 also brings more tax savings. Costs like fuel, maintenance, and insurance can be deducted. This makes the plane more cost-effective for business use.
PC-24 owners should talk to tax experts to get the most tax benefits. Good planning and keeping records are key. This way, owners can save a lot on taxes.
| Tax Benefit | Description | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation | Accelerated depreciation schedules, such as Section 179 and bonus depreciation, can provide significant write-offs on the aircraft’s purchase price. | Substantial reduction in taxable income, resulting in significant tax savings for PC-24 owners. |
| Operational Cost Deductions | Business-related expenses, including fuel, maintenance, insurance, and other operational costs, may be eligible for tax deductions. | Reduced overall cost of ownership by offsetting a portion of the PC-24’s operating expenses against taxable income. |
Understanding and using tax benefits can make owning a PC-24 more financially smart. It can also make private flying more appealing.
Conclusion: Assessing the Total Cost of Ownership
Prospective owners need to think about their needs, budget, and how the PC-24 compares to other planes.
Buying a PC-24 requires long-term financial planning. The initial cost is $12,347,500, but there are ongoing costs and resale value to consider. The comprehensive data on PC-24 total ownership helps in making a decision.
Choosing a Pilatus PC-24 means understanding its capabilities, maintenance, and financial impact. By comparing the PC-24’s costs to your needs and budget, you can make a smart choice. This choice should fit your long-term aviation goals and financial plans.
How we estimate these costs
These are CRAFT's own estimates, built the same way for every aircraft we cover. The Pilatus PC-24 is costed as a light jet with 2 engines, flown by 2 pilots, based in the U.S. and professionally managed. Lines marked “estimate” are the midpoint of a stated range for the size class, not a quote; the others are worked out from published figures. Nothing here comes from another charter operator's or broker's budgets.
| Fixed costs | Per year | How it is worked out |
|---|---|---|
| Crew Salary | $311,079 | 1 captain at $133,150 (BLS median, commercial pilots in nonscheduled air transportation), 1 first officer at $84,540 (BLS 25th percentile, commercial pilots), plus 43% for benefits and payroll costs (BLS Employer Costs for Employee Compensation, private industry, June 2026). Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (released May 15, 2026); BLS Employer Costs for Employee Compensation, June 2026 (released September 9, 2026) |
| Crew TrainingEstimate | $38,000 | One simulator-based recurrent course a year for each of 2 pilots, at $15,000 to $23,000 per pilot for a light jet. CRAFT estimate. Source: FAA task orders for recurrent pilot training with FlightSafety International (USAspending.gov) (orders 2024 to 2026) |
| HangarEstimate | $39,270 | A heated home-base hangar at $1,595 to $4,950 a month for a light jet, from published airport hangar rates; big-city airports cost more. Source: Published airport hangar rates (Concord-Padgett Regional, City of Concord NC; Naples Airport Authority FY2026; Pierce County WA; Smith Reynolds, Forsyth County NC) (read October 5, 2026) |
| InsuranceEstimate | $32,250 | Liability of $5,000 to $10,000 a year for a light jet, plus hull cover at 0.15% to 0.3% of a hull value of $11,000,000, the median of UseRadar's value data for this model (our aircraft data site). Midpoints used; pilot experience and claims history move it a lot. Source: BWI Aviation Insurance, "How much is aircraft insurance? A complete 2026 cost breakdown" (January 4, 2026); UseRadar aircraft value data |
| ManagementEstimate | $45,000 | A management company's fee of $2,500 to $5,000 a month for a light jet (crew, maintenance tracking, compliance and billing). CRAFT estimate. Source: Business Jet Traveler, "Is a management company right for you?" |
| Miscellaneous FixedEstimate | $40,000 | Navigation databases and charts, weather and flight planning, maintenance tracking, connectivity and office costs: $30,000 to $50,000 a year for a light jet. CRAFT estimate. Source: CRAFT estimate |
| Maintenance Program (monthly) | $206,712 | Pilatus CrystalCare (U.S. rate): $17,226 a month, covering airframe, engines (Williams TAP Blue), APU (Honeywell MSP), avionics and maintenance tracking. Pilatus's published example rates, based on 300 flight hours a year, averaged over the first five years. Source: Pilatus CrystalCare example calculations (2026 brochures) |
| Total | $712,311 |
| Variable costs | Per flight hour | How it is worked out |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Cost | $1,463 | 191 gallons an hour (Conklin & de Decker average hourly fuel burn, Pilatus PC-24) at $7.66 a gallon, our estimated U.S. average FBO price for Jet A on 2026-10-04. Contract fuel usually costs less than the posted price. Source: Fuel burn: the manufacturer's published average, else Conklin & de Decker's average hourly fuel burn; CRAFT jet fuel price data |
| Maintenance | $820 | Pilatus CrystalCare (U.S. rate): $820 a flight hour on top of the monthly fee, covering airframe, engines (Williams TAP Blue), APU (Honeywell MSP), avionics and maintenance tracking. Source: Pilatus CrystalCare example calculations (2026 brochures) |
| Engine Overhaul | $0 | Included in Pilatus CrystalCare. Source: Pilatus CrystalCare example calculations (2026 brochures) |
| Crew/Landing/Handling FeesEstimate | $400 | Landing, ramp and handling fees and crew hotels, meals and transport on trips: $300 to $500 a flight hour for a light jet. CRAFT estimate. Source: CRAFT estimate |
| Miscellaneous VariableEstimate | $113 | Catering, cabin supplies, cleaning and de-icing: $75 to $150 a flight hour. CRAFT estimate. Source: CRAFT estimate |
| Total | $2,796 |
- Annual cost = fixed costs + variable cost per hour × hours flown. At 100, 200 or 400 hours a year that is $991,911 ($9,919 an hour), $1,271,511 ($6,358 an hour), $1,830,711 ($4,577 an hour).
- Fuel price: one price for every aircraft, $7.66 a gallon on 2026-10-04, from our jet fuel price data. Every dollar a gallon moves the hourly cost by about $191.
- Not included: the purchase price, financing, depreciation, sales and use tax, major one-off events beyond the reserves (paint, interior, avionics upgrades) and any charter revenue.
Crew pay: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage percentiles (May 2025), bls employer costs for employee compensation, private industry, june 2026. Class ranges and every source are on what it costs to own a private jet; all models side by side in the operating cost league table. Spot something wrong? Tell us.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key specifications of the Pilatus PC-24?
The Pilatus PC-24 is a medium jet. It can carry up to 10 passengers and has a crew of 1. It reaches altitudes of 45,000 feet and cruises at 446 KTS/514 MPH. It also has a range of 1,500 NM/1,726 SM.
What is the typical purchase price for a Pilatus PC-24?
The Pilatus PC-24 usually costs $12,347,500. Prices can range from $9,695,000 to $15,000,000.
What financing options are available for the Pilatus PC-24?
You can finance the Pilatus PC-24 through loans, leasing, or fractional ownership. Loan terms depend on the lender, the down payment and the aircraft, so ask lenders for a quote on the specific jet.
What are the direct operating costs for the Pilatus PC-24?
About $1,271,511 a year flown 200 hours in CRAFT's estimate ($991,911 at 100 hours, $1,830,711 at 400), before the purchase price, financing and depreciation.
What are the indirect operating costs for the Pilatus PC-24?
About $712,311 a year in CRAFT's estimate: crew pay and benefits, recurrent training, hangar, insurance, management and other fixed items.
How does the Pilatus PC-24 compare to similar aircraft in terms of cost of operation?
About $1,271,511 a year flown 200 hours in CRAFT's estimate ($6,358 a flight hour with the fixed costs spread over the hours), including Pilatus's published CrystalCare maintenance program rates.
What cost management strategies can be used for the Pilatus PC-24?
To manage costs, focus on fuel efficiency, maintenance scheduling, and flight planning. The PC-24’s fuel efficiency at 440 knots offers savings opportunities.
What are the tax implications of Pilatus PC-24 ownership?
Owning a Pilatus PC-24 can offer tax benefits like depreciation and business use deductions. The aircraft’s high purchase price means significant tax savings. Business use can also reduce operational costs.
Featured Image: Steve Knight, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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