Pilatus Plans 17-Acre Facility In Florida

Pilatus Aircraft announced today (Aug. 27) it has signed contracts to build a factory-owned “flagship” sales, design, and service center in Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ) in Bradenton, Florida. Pilatus agrees to develop 17 acres on the north side of the airport property for the facility, which will employ more than 50 people to start.

The footprint calls for 54,000 square feet of maintenance space, spare parts, and new aircraft deliveries. An additional 17,000 square feet will go to workshops and administrative office space. The facility is scheduled to enter service by mid-2026, according to Pilatus.

Rick Piccolo, president and CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, said, “This endeavor involves a substantial investment of tens of millions of dollars in facility development, which will result in the creation of over 300 skilled positions, offering lucrative opportunities and making a significant economic impact. Given the previously announced commitment by Manatee Technical College to build an Airframe & Powerplant school on the airport, this agreement will provide local employment opportunities for those graduates right here in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. Pilatus has expressed admiration for the airport's planned Aviation Ecosystem, which includes education and training facilities.” According to the Pilatus statement, Florida and the U.S. East Coast represent the highest concentration of Pilatus aircraft operations, sales and service activity in the world. There are currently more than 2,250 Pilatus aircraft in operation in North and South America. “In 2022,” Pilatus said, “more than 6,200 Pilatus flight operations were conducted in the state of Florida, alone.”