Aircraft manufacturer to bring $40 million investment to SRQ

A global designer and manufacturer of aircraft, simulators and cutting-edge systems for pilot training is set to bring a new manufacturing and sales facility to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

On Monday, the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority will make an announcement about a new commercial partnership at SRQ. Although SMAA would not reveal the subject, a review of the agenda for Monday’s board of directors meeting, which will immediately precede the announcement, indicates it is likely regarding a lease agreement with Stans, Switzerland-based Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd.

The details of the project are not included in the documents, but the proposed agreement is for a term of 40 years for two adjoining parcels of undeveloped land in the north quadrant of the airport totaling just more than 17 acres. 

According to the agenda, the proposed development on one parcel includes a minimum investment of $20 million to build at least 60,000 square feet of enclosed aircraft hangar storage, 60,000 square feet of adjoining aircraft parking apron and connecting taxi lanes, 3,500 square feet of administrative area, 2,500 square feet of customer service and sales area, and 10,000 gallons of above-ground aviation fuel storage. 

All of that is to be constructed in two years and is identified as Phase I.  

Paul Sadler-Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd.

Phase II  calls for another investment of $20 million to build a minimum of 60,000 square feet of enclosed aircraft hangar storage and 60,000 square feet of adjoining aircraft parking apron and connecting taxi lanes, all to be constructed within five years.

Phase I is scheduled to provide aircraft sales, maintenance, repair and limited self-fueling. Development is anticipated to begin this year and become operational in 2026, creating up to 43 skilled and unskilled positions according to the lease. Phase II is scheduled to provide aircraft assembly with construction beginning in 2025, becoming operational in 2027, creating up to 300 skilled and unskilled jobs.

Founded in 1939, Pilatus Aircraft develops and produces a variety of aircraft from the PC-12, the best-selling single-engine turboprop in its class, to the PC-7 MKX and PC-21 and associated simulators for pilot training. According to the company website, its new PC-24 is the world’s first business jet designed for use on short, unprepared runways. 

The company employs 3,000 with independent subsidiaries in the United States and Australia.