Florida Construction News staff writer
Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus has broken ground on a new sales, service and production facility at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, marking a major expansion of the company’s U.S. footprint and a significant construction milestone for the region.
The groundbreaking ceremony brought together Pilatus executives along with representatives from regional authorities and economic development organizations to mark the start of construction on what the company describes as a state-of-the-art facility. The project represents the first phase of Pilatus’ long-term development plan in Sarasota.
Pilatus has been planning to expand its presence in the United States since 2022 to supplement production capacity in Switzerland, where operations are nearing maximum capacity.
“This groundbreaking event ushers in the first phase of Pilatus’ long-term development in Sarasota and is a significant milestone in our continuing investment and growth at the airport,” the company said. Future phases are expected to build on the initial facility and expand into full aircraft assembly.
Once complete, the Sarasota site will serve as a flagship sales, service and production center, with a focus on enhancing quality, technical expertise and customer experience.
Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, said the project marks a turning point for the company’s U.S. operations.
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Pilatus in the United States,” Bucher said. “We are bringing aircraft production to the United States. This flagship facility will be our fifth location in the USA, and will set new standards for quality, expertise, and technology in the southeastern United States. In America, we will build airplanes for Americans. We are establishing Sarasota as a major production site, serving our customers right where they are.”
The project reflects a partnership between Pilatus, the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority, the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation, and a range of local, regional and state organizations.
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, Pilatus consolidated U.S. subsidiaries into a single entity, Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd., creating a unified organization of approximately 400 employees and harmonized systems across its American operations. The company’s U.S. network includes its headquarters in Broomfield, Colo., along with facilities in Westminster, Md., Rock Hill, S.C., and Atlanta, Ga.
Pilatus already operates a PC-12 and PC-24 completion facility at its Broomfield headquarters. The new Florida facility is expected to play a growing role in meeting global demand for both aircraft models.
In Florida, the company anticipates creating approximately 200 new jobs over the next five years and plans to expand its U.S. apprenticeship programs at multiple locations. Pilatus currently has more than 2,300 aircraft in operation across North and South America.
