Pilatus is to discontinue production of its legendary Pilatus Porter PC-6 all-rounder plane in early 2019 and now focus on production of its new PC-24 jet.

The Swiss aircraft manufacturer has produced 500 PC-6s in Stans since 1959, while slightly fewer than 100 machines were additionally produced in the US. 

Production of the PC-6 will come to an end in early 2019 but support will be provided to existing customers for the next 20 years at least, Pilatus said.

The PC-6’s short take-off and landing capabilities and general versatility earned it worldwide fame and a reputation as a robust all-rounder. 

“Amongst its many achievements, the Pilatus Porter has flown several cargo and passenger trips at maximum useful load to an altitude of 5,700 m above sea level – a world record that has not been bettered even to this day,” a Pilatus spokesman says.

“However, due to the age of the PC-6 and other certification parameters, it is no longer possible to provide ongoing development in the scope Pilatus would wish for. Also, as our PC-24 Super Versatile Jet - for which series production is currently gearing up in Stans - requires our full attention, we have decided that the PC-6 no longer fits our product portfolio, and that, after 60 years, it is now time to cease production.”

Employees previously engaged on the PC-6 production line will be assigned to assembly work on our other aircraft types.

Pilatus Chairman Oscar Schwenk comments: “I am proud that the PC-6 featured in the Pilatus product portfolio, this aircraft has earned us fame and recognition worldwide. But the time has now come to take a dispassionate look at the facts and admit that every product has a life cycle which must come to an end sooner or later. That moment has arrived for the PC-6. With an eye on the future, however, we now look forward to the imminent market launch of the PC-24 super versatile jet, which embodies and carries forward all the original values of the PC-6.”

Pilatus will accept orders for the PC-6 latest until mid-2018.