The new facility will feature 54,000 square feet for maintenance, spare parts, and aircraft deliveries, plus 17,000 square feet for workshops, offices, and administration.
The Swiss manufacturer, Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd has announced plans to develop a substantial facility at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ). In a recent ceremony at the airport, Pilatus executives and Airport Authority officials formalized an agreement to develop a 17-acre site on the airport’s north side. This move aims to enhance its service and support network for its growing customer base in North and South America.
The new facility will encompass 54,000 square feet dedicated to maintenance, spare parts distribution, and new aircraft deliveries, as well as an additional 17,000 square feet for workshops, offices, and administrative functions. Scheduled to open by mid-2026, the center is expected to initially create over 50 jobs, with plans to expand to up to 300 positions as operations grow. This expansion aligns with Pilatus’ strategic focus on the U.S. market, which represents its largest customer base.
The new Customer Center is designed to support an increasing fleet of Pilatus aircraft in the region and will offer comprehensive sales, service, and design capabilities. Notably, Florida and the East Coast of the U.S. are major hubs for Pilatus aircraft activity, with over 6,200 operations reported in Florida alone in 2022.
Justin Lazzeri, CEO of Pilatus’ Sales and Service Center for the U.S. East Coast, remarked, “Our new facility in Bradenton will be a showcase for ‘Pilatus Class’ sales and service.”
The development of this facility is part of a broader strategy to bolster Pilatus’ support infrastructure across the Americas. The design and operational practices of the Bradenton Center will serve as a model for the company’s global network of Authorized Sales and Service Centers, ensuring a uniform and high-quality customer experience worldwide, according to the official release.
The project also ties into regional economic development plans. Rick Piccolo, President and CEO, of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport highlighted the economic benefits, stating that, “the facility represents a substantial investment and will create 300 skilled jobs. Additionally, with Manatee Technical College’s planned Airframe & Powerplant school at the airport, there will be ample local employment opportunities for graduates.”
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Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. President Sharon Hillstrom emphasized the unique advantages of the Bradenton area’s aviation ecosystem, which supports significant capital investment and job creation in the region. The establishment of this new Pilatus facility underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing service quality and operational support for its expanding customer base in the Americas.
