- The aircraft manufacturer Pilatus sold 152 aircraft in 2021, more than ever before.
- Both sales and operating profit increased.
- The company sees itself well positioned for the current year 2022.
Specifically, sales increased by almost 20 percent to CHF 1.33 billion, as Pilatus announced on Monday. Operating profit rose by a good 35 percent to CHF 210 million.
Production record despite turbulence
Despite difficult circumstances, a production record was set with 152 aircraft delivered, according to the communiqué. This means an increase of around 18 percent compared to the previous year.
There was also some turbulence to contend with. Interrupted supply chains and supply bottlenecks would have had a negative impact on production. As a result, the work processes ran less efficiently, which in turn resulted in higher costs, according to the aircraft manufacturer.
High demand
At the same time, however, Pilatus recorded high demand in both business areas. In the Government Aviation segment, the company benefited from a follow-up order from the French Air Force for nine PC-21 aircraft. Sales in the segment rose by a whopping 53 percent to CHF 431 million.
In addition, the “General Aviation” sector benefited from booming markets, from which the aircraft types “PC-12 NGX” and “PC-24” benefited, the aircraft manufacturer continued. In the much larger business area, sales rose by a good eight percent to 902 million.
Legend:
Chairman of the Board of Directors Hansueli Loosli is confident about the future of Pilatus.
key stone
The company also sees itself on course for the current year 2022.
Turbulence will continue to challenge us in 2022. Nevertheless, we got off to a good start and are confident about the future.
Pilatus has a unique range of products and simply the best products in their respective niches, Loosli continues. He points to a “good” order backlog, which gives a solid foundation for 2022. However, the company does not give a concrete outlook.
Changes in the Board of Directors
At the same time, there were changes on the Pilatus Board of Directors. Annette Rinck was newly elected to the board. She is said to be President and CEO of Leica Microsystems and has more than 20 years of experience in global industrial companies.
Meanwhile, Gratian Anda, who had served as Vice President of the Board of Directors since 2006, was no longer up for election. In his place, Lukas Gähwiler, previously a member of the Board of Directors, was elected Vice-Chairman.