Oxford, Connecticut (May 24, 2023) – Tradewind Aviation, the leader in regional air mobility, announced today the receipt of five additional Pilatus aircraft, including two new Pilatus PC-12 NGX turboprops directly from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. The arrival of the new aircraft – one in April, the other in May – brings the number of new NGX’s Tradewind has received to three since it finalized an order for 20 new aircraft with the Swiss aerospace manufacturer in February 2022.
Tradewind now operates 24 Pilatus PC-12s, including owned and managed aircraft, giving them one of the largest Pilatus fleets in the world as well as the status of a Fleet Operator to secure direct support from the manufacturer. Tradewind’s growing fleet supports their expansion into the Southeast market, further growth in the Northeast and Caribbean, and the upcoming launch of scheduled routes to Newport and Virgin Gorda.
The two new NGX aircraft were flown in by Tradewind pilots following interior finishing and paint at the manufacturer’s U.S. facility in Broomfield, Colorado, and put directly into service in their Northeast region. Subsequent deliveries will follow the same path, arriving at a rate of four aircraft per year over the next five years.
As Tradewind’s fleet of NGX’s continues to grow – the fourth and fifth new aircraft are anticipated to arrive in October and November 2023, respectively – some of the aircraft will be housed at the company’s new 50,000 square-foot hangar complex at Hudson Valley Regional Airport in Dutchess County, New York.
With demand for Tradewind’s private and scheduled flights growing, the addition of new aircraft strengthens the airline’s long-running relationship with the manufacturer. Tradewind’s history with Pilatus dates from 2003, when the airline began building a fleet with Pilatus PC-12s to improve the flight experience for their guests.
The NGX turboprop is the latest generation of the Pilatus PC-12 model, featuring enhancements that improve efficiency and passenger comfort. The aircraft’s engine is computer-controlled, enabling lower fuel burn and lower propeller RPM, which reduces noise in the cabin and makes for more pleasant flights for guests and crew.
The NGX is also a positive for sustainability, a passion for Tradewind’s leadership, further reducing fuel burn and introducing a platform that is approved for sustainable aviation fuel. That complements Tradewind’s Carbon Offset Program, through which the company automatically purchases carbon offsets for all operated flights throughout North America and the Caribbean at no cost to guests.
“The arrival of new aircraft is always an exciting development in the aviation industry, and particularly for us as we continue to grow our fleet of Pilatus PC-12 NGX turboprops and strengthen our partnership with a well-respected industry leader,” said Eric Zipkin, Co-Founder and President of Tradewind Aviation. “With Citation CJ3 Jet aircraft also part of our fleet, Tradewind is well equipped to broaden our flight options and provide a great experience for guests and crew on short- and medium-range flights across the map.”
For more details, visit www.flytradewind.com, or contact the reservations team at charter@flytradewind.com or 1-203-267-3305. For further information, follow Tradewind Aviation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
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ABOUT TRADEWIND AVIATION
Founded in 2001 by Eric and David Zipkin who have turned their passion for flying into the leading regional private airline. Tradewind provides personal air travel—both private and scheduled service—throughout North America and the Caribbean. Tradewind believes that every single flight is an opportunity to create an exceptional client experience with their people, planes, and personal service. Their unique approach to flying is less harrowing than flying commercial and more intimate than flying private. It is flying personal. And it is what they strive for every day.
Tradewind provides scheduled service to top leisure destinations throughout the Northeast and Caribbean, including Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Newport, St Barths, St Thomas, Anguilla and Antigua. Tradewind also provides unique and efficient private travel solutions for leisure or business travel, with access to hundreds of airports throughout North America and the Caribbean in their fleet of Pilatus PC-12 and Citation CJ3 Jet aircraft.
Tradewind’s vision is for an elevated flight experience that is streamlined and understated, where every flight deserves the highest quality aircraft, crew, and service, giving passengers control over their own time and confidence in their travels.
ABOUT PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD.
Founded in 1939, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd develops and produces the world’s most unique aircraft: from the legendary PC-12, the best-selling single-engine turboprop in its class, to the PC-7 MKX and PC-21 and associated simulators, the market-leading systems for pilot training. The brand-new PC-24 is the world’s first ever business jet designed for use on short unprepared runways. The Pilatus team consists of over 2300 exceptional employees who make the company, which is domiciled in Stans, one of the largest and most innovative employers in Central Switzerland. The Pilatus Group also includes independent subsidiaries in the USA and Australia. Pilatus provides training for over 140 apprentices in various professions – job training for young people has always been a very high priority. Pilatus remains committed to Switzerland as a hub for work and new ideas, and acts in a sustainable and environmentally-conscious manner at all times. www.pilatus-aircraft.com
Tradewind Aviation Media Contact
Ebony Atherton
Hawkins International – A Finn Partners Company
Tradewind@hawkpr.com / (929) 372-6177