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Pilatus PC 12/45 Turbo Prop Specifications and Charter Rates

The Pilatus PC 12/45 is a Swiss-engineered single-engine turboprop that redefines private travel for up to nine passengers, offering a luxurious, spacious cabin and a versatile range of 1,742 nautical miles. Launched in the late 1990s, the PC 12/45 quickly established itself as the gold standard for utility, reliability, and refined comfort in the turboprop class.


Ideal for both business and leisure journeys, this aircraft excels on regional routes and can access airports with shorter runways that are off-limits to most jets. This page details its specifications, cabin amenities, operational range, charter pricing, and answers to the most common questions from discerning travelers considering the PC 12/45 for their next flight.

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Pilatus PC 12/45 Overview

The Pilatus PC 12/45 is the leader in the turboprop segment, balancing performance, luxury, and versatility in a uniquely capable single-engine airframe. Its expansive pressurized cabin seats up to nine passengers, with flexible arrangements for executive travel or family journeys. Powered by the trusted Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67B engine, the PC 12/45 can climb to 30,000 feet and cruise above weather and traffic, delivering a comfortable, quiet ride.


What sets the PC 12/45 apart is its ability to operate from short, unimproved runways, opening up a world of private airports and remote destinations that jets simply can’t reach. With a generous baggage hold and a focus on fuel efficiency, it’s an outstanding choice for regional trips where convenience and comfort are paramount.


This Pilatus model is renowned for its rugged reliability and the peace of mind that comes with proven Swiss engineering. For private travelers and operators alike, the PC 12/45 represents an investment in both performance and enduring value.

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Pilatus PC 12/45 Specifications

The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

Aircraft class:

Turbo Prop

Passenger capacity:

Up to 7 (typical), 9 maximum

Crew:

1 or 2 pilots

Range:

Approximately 1742 nautical miles (around 2004 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

270 knots (about 313 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 236 knots

Service ceiling:

30000 fee

Engines:

Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67B turboprop

Thrust:

Roughly 1200 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 1475 feet

Landing distance:

About 2783 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 85 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 40 cubic feet

First delivered:

Late 1990s

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The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

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Pilatus PC 12/45 Range and Performance

With a range of up to 1,742 nautical miles, the Pilatus PC 12/45 is perfectly suited for regional travel and nonstop flights between city pairs such as Dallas to Chicago, Los Angeles to Aspen, or London to Nice. Its impressive short-field performance allows it to access runways as short as 2,500 feet, making remote and exclusive destinations more accessible than ever. | The PC 12/45 can maintain a high-speed cruise of 270 knots, cutting down travel times on busy days. Its rugged construction and reliable engine ensure confident operations in a wide variety of weather conditions, and a fuel burn of just 85 gallons per hour makes it one of the most efficient aircraft in its class. | The aircraft’s ability to land on grass, gravel, or paved runways adds unmatched flexibility, letting travelers fly closer to their final destination and avoid the congestion of major airports. For those seeking efficiency, comfort, and access to unique locales, the PC 12/45 is the ultimate choice.

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Pilatus PC 12/45 Cabin Experience and Interior

The Pilatus PC 12/45 features a spacious, pressurized cabin with a flat floor and generous headroom, creating a comfortable environment for both work and relaxation. Cabin configurations typically offer seating for seven to nine passengers in plush, executive-style seats that can be arranged in a club layout or with a three-seat divan for added flexibility. | Premium finishes, wide windows, and advanced soundproofing deliver a bright, quiet atmosphere, while fold-out tables and power outlets make the cabin ideal for productivity on the go. A private aft lavatory and in-flight refreshment center enhance convenience for all onboard. | With 40 cubic feet of baggage space, the PC 12/45 easily accommodates skis, golf bags, and luggage for a full group, ensuring that both business and leisure travelers enjoy a seamless, elevated journey.

Pilatus PC 12/45 Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Pilatus PC 12/45 typically runs in the range of $1800 to $2400 per flight hour, though the figure you are quoted depends on several factors. Rates move with the route, the season, repositioning (or ferry) time, airport fees, crew costs, and how a specific aircraft is equipped. Peak travel periods and one-way trips that leave an aircraft far from its base tend to sit at the higher end, while round trips and flights that align with an operator's existing schedule can come in lower.

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It also helps to understand how charter pricing is structured. Most quotes are built around occupied flight hours plus those repositioning costs, landing and handling fees, taxes, and crew expenses. Because Jettly is a charter marketplace rather than an aircraft operator, you can compare live quotes from multiple FAA Part 135 and book the option that fits your route and budget.

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Empty-leg flights, the discounted repositioning trips that operators are keen to fill, can also bring the cost of a Pilatus PC 12/45 down significantly when the timing works in your favor. For an exact, current price on your specific trip, request a quote, and you will see real availability rather than an estimate.

Who Should Charter the Pilatus PC 12/45?

The Pilatus PC 12/45 fits a wide set of missions, which is part of why it stays busy. It is a strong match for:

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Small executive teams traveling together to a meeting, site visit, or conference

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Regional and many transcontinental business trips that need to be completed in a single day

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Families or groups of up to eight heading to a vacation or event

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Travelers carrying bulkier baggage, such as golf clubs or ski gear

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Anyone who values flexible airport access and a stand-up cabin over the lowest possible price

The PC 12/45 is not designed for transcontinental or long-haul international flights but is perfect for groups of up to nine travelers seeking direct access to regional destinations, remote resorts, or business centers. Its combination of efficiency, accessibility, and refined comfort makes it a top choice for those who value both style and practicality in their charter experience.

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How the Pilatus PC 12/45 Compares to Other Turbo Prop

The Pilatus PC 12/45 stands out among turboprops for its blend of versatility, comfort, and operational efficiency, often compared favorably to competitors like the King Air 200 and TBM 850. While the King Air offers twin-engine redundancy, the PC 12/45’s single-turbine design delivers exceptional fuel economy and lower operating costs, with a cabin that matches or exceeds many light jets for volume and comfort.


Unlike some rivals, the PC 12/45 features a large cargo door and a flexible interior, making it ideal for both VIP and utility missions. Its short-field performance and ability to land on unimproved runways provide access to more destinations than most jets or turboprops in its class.


Overall, the PC 12/45 has set a new benchmark for reliability, operational flexibility, and passenger experience, making it a favorite of private charter clients and corporate operators worldwide.

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Pilatus PC 12/45 History and Background

The Pilatus PC 12 program began in the late 1980s, with the PC 12/45 marking a significant evolution in the single-engine turboprop market when it entered service in the late 1990s. Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, based in Stans, Switzerland, designed the PC 12 to merge the utility of a rugged airframe with the sophistication demanded by corporate and VIP travelers.


Innovative features such as the large cargo door, pressurized cabin, and advanced avionics set the PC 12/45 apart from its peers. Its success has led to a global fleet of over 1,700 aircraft, trusted by private owners, corporations, and air ambulance operators for their reliability and low operating costs.


The PC 12/45’s enduring popularity is a testament to its Swiss craftsmanship and adaptability, making it one of the most respected and sought-after turboprops in private aviation today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Pilatus PC 12/45 Carry?

Typical seating for the Pilatus PC 12/45 is seven to nine passengers in a variety of executive or commuter arrangements, allowing for both business and leisure groups to travel in comfort.

What Is the Range of the Pilatus PC 12/45?

The Pilatus PC 12/45 has a range of approximately 1742 nautical miles, or roughly 2004 statute miles. That is enough to fly most regional routes and many transcontinental trips nonstop, with the longest coast-to-coast legs occasionally needing a brief fuel stop depending on winds and load.

How Fast Does the Pilatus PC 12/45 Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 270 knots (about 313 mph), with a long-range cruise near 236 knots. The aircraft's 30000-foot service ceiling lets it fly above most weather and traffic for a smoother, more direct trip.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Pilatus PC 12/45?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $1800 and $2400 per flight hour, depending on the route, season, repositioning, and fees. Because Jettly is a marketplace, you can compare live quotes from multiple Part 135 operators and book the best option for your trip; empty-leg flights can lower the cost further.

Does the Hawker Pilatus PC 12/45 Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes, the PC 12/45 offers a spacious, stand-up cabin that allows passengers to move freely during the flight, along with a private aft lavatory and a baggage compartment that holds up to 40 cubic feet of luggage.

Is the Pilatus PC 12/45 Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most regional U.S. and European routes, the PC 12/45 easily covers direct flights between major cities and remote destinations, though the longest coast-to-coast missions may require a quick fuel stop, which is typical for turboprops on extended legs.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Pilatus PC 12/45 jets operated by vetted FAA Part 135 Part 135 carriers. Compare live quotes, check real availability, and book with full concierge support, whether you are planning a single regional hop or a recurring travel schedule.

Enter your route and dates to get instant pricing on the Pilatus PC 12/45, or speak with our team about empty-leg deals and membership options that can bring your cost per trip down even further.

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