Completions specialist AMAC Aerospace and Pilatus Aircraft (stand 622) are exhibiting jointly for the first time at MEBA, where they are trumpeting the benefits of the PC-12NG in the Middle East for a variety of commercial and utility roles.
"This aircraft has terrific capability and its popularity is reflected in the fact there are now over 1,200 sold all around the world. It can land on grass, gravel and it is very operationally efficient," says Kadri Muhiddin, chief executive of AMAC, which was appointed exclusive sales and support agent for the single-engined turboprop in the Middle East late last year.
"The PC-12 can fulfil multi-role missions, too, from accommodating up to nine passengers to serving as an air ambulance or special mission role - attributes which will appeal to certain Middle East customers," continues Muhiddin, who is a PC-12 owner himself.
AMAC is marketing the Swiss-built high-speed aircraft in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Yemen, Kuwait, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt and Turkey, and reports enhanced interest in the type. "The aircraft is from A-Z the most economically (with a fuel burn of $200 per hour) interesting product available within the turboprop aircraft market," adds Muhiddin.
To support its marketing effort, AMAC - which operates a PC-12 for aircraft on ground services - has set up a sales and maintenance facility in Turkey.
The new Istanbul facility features 1,500m² (16,100ft²) of hangarage, 1,200m² of shop floor space and 300m² of office space, and will be fully operational by the end of the year.
Basel-headquartered AMAC is also planning to open a sales office in Beirut, Lebanon, early next year. The company believes the thriving financial centre is a magnet for business people and wealthy individuals from across the region.
Source: Flight Daily News
