Sarasota-Bradenton Airport Welcomes Pilatus Aircraft's First U.S. Facility: Economic Growth and Educational Opportunities on the Horizon
August 28, 2024 — In a significant move for the Sarasota-Bradenton region, officials at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) announced on Monday that a lease agreement has been signed with Pilatus Aircraft, marking the Swiss manufacturer’s first and only facility in the United States. The deal represents a major milestone for the airport and is expected to bring substantial economic benefits and educational opportunities to the area.
Pilatus Aircraft, renowned for producing the popular PC-12 single-engine turboprop and the PC-24 Super Versatile Jet, will develop 17 acres on the north side of SRQ with a state-of-the-art sales and service facility. The development will include 54,000 square feet dedicated to maintenance, spare parts distribution, and new aircraft deliveries, alongside 17,000 square feet of workshops, offices, and administrative spaces.
Rick Piccolo, CEO of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, emphasized that this project has been in the works for years. "This is not something that we just thought of overnight. We’ve been working towards this year after year, from the time we started the infrastructure to attracting the schools here and ancillary businesses,” Piccolo said.
A significant aspect of this development is its focus on education, with Pilatus Aircraft deeply invested in fostering the next generation of aviation professionals. The company's CEO, Thomas Bosshard, highlighted the importance of education, referencing their longstanding apprenticeship program in Switzerland, which currently includes more than 140 high school students.
Ben Spencer, Chairman of the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority, echoed this sentiment, noting that the airport property already hosts a 6-12 school, with Manatee Technical College set to break ground soon. The collaboration between the airport, Pilatus, and local educational institutions is poised to bolster the region’s aviation ecosystem.
The arrival of Pilatus Aircraft is also expected to have a significant economic impact. The facility will create approximately 350 jobs, with starting salaries around $80,000, providing a substantial boost to the local economy. Spencer expressed pride in the hard work and determination that brought this project to fruition, stating, “Someone once said that a dream doesn’t become reality through magic. It takes sweat, determination, and hard work. This celebration took a lot of relentless effort.”
The new facility will be constructed in two phases, with the first phase scheduled for completion in two years, and the second phase expected by mid-2026. Once operational, Pilatus Aircraft’s presence at SRQ is expected to attract further investments and partnerships, reinforcing Sarasota-Bradenton's position as a growing hub in the aviation industry.