Pilatus’ PC-24 has returned to NBAA, as the superlight business jet programme reaches the final throes of its certification campaign.

The clean-sheet business jet was launched in May 2013 and flight testing began two years later. To date the three PC-24 prototypes have flown 2,000h across 2,000 flights, the Swiss airframer announced this morning. The seven-seat twin is scheduled to receive European and US type certification in December.

The official handover of the first aircraft to US fractional ownership company PlaneSense – Pilatus’s oldest and largest commercial customer with a fleet of 35 PC-12 single-engined turborops – will follow shortly after. PlaneSense has an order for six PC-24s.

“I’m very pleased with the progress of the development programme and am looking forward to the moment when we are awarded the type certificate, and can hand over the PC-24 to our first customer,” says Pilatus chairman Oscar Schwenk. “I have no doubt whatsoever that the future operators will be more than delighted with the outstanding performance of the 'Super Versatile Jet' and the countless possibilities it offers.”

Pilatus has secured 84 orders for the Williams International FJ44-4A-powered PC-24 – equivalent to three years of production – and plans to reopen the orderbook following certification.

To support its growing customer base, the Stans, Switzerland-headquarted company has launched a 24/7 customer service facility and has expanded its global authorised service centre network.