Expanding London Biggin Hill-based Oriens Aviation now supporting 12 Pilatus PC-12s at its Authorised Pilatus Service Center

Monday 10th September 2018

Oriens Aviation's exclusive British Isles Pilatus Centre, formally opened this February at London Biggin Hill Airport, reports a strong nine months supporting a greater number of customers for maintenance and technical support.

It is now supporting 12 PC-12 regular customers, including 10 on the UK register - double the number since the start of this year, including two new arrivals now flying with private customers.

Oriens Maintenance, which complements Oriens Aviation's sales activity as exclusive Pilatus PC-12 distributor for the British Isles, has also extended support to Swedish, Finnish, Swiss and N-reg US PC-12 customers since the start of the year.

Adhering to the Swiss OEM's newly revised maintenance inspection schedule for all PC-12 series, which reduces the timing of inspections from 100 to 300 hours, Oriens finds it has more capability to handle other aircraft types too.  So far this year the business has carried out MRO checks on a Hawker 1000, Cessna Citation 500, Beechcraft 99 and Cessna 421.  "We are keen to widen out our EASA capability and support types such as the Beechcraft 90 and 200 series, plus the Cessna 208 Caravan," commented Oriens' Maintenance Manager Steve Westran.

Dedicated mobile workshop being readied

Responding to stepped up demand for remote support and in readiness for the winter months, Oriens Maintenance is investing in a larger Mercedes van which will be equipped as a mobile workshop.  This is due to arrive later this month.

The business continues to enjoy additional satellite centre support in a partnership with Goodwood Engineering at Goodwood Aerodrome, UK, which contributes Part M continuous airworthiness activity.  Oriens is in the process of applying for Part M approval itself for aircraft management services, to further widen out its offering.

Since the formal inauguration of its fully refurbished hangar and office suite in February, Oriens Maintenance has invested in new tooling for propeller balancing, battery capacity testing, pitot static calibration and avionics testing.

It also initiated two work experience placements and type experience placements to students and trainee engineers, which were overseen by its licensed Pilatus PC-12 engineers. 

Oriens Aviation CEO and founder Edwin Brenninkmeyer is pleased with how the business is developing.  He commented:

"Taking for granted that we always strive for the highest levels of safety and professionalism first and foremost, we aim to provide the best possible service to each individual customer. This involves not only excellence in technical support, but also a personal approach. There should be no surprises and customers are impressed with our attention to detail that can only come from knowing how each individual customer likes their aircraft presented after a visit to our facility. We go that extra mile to help and give them a wonderful experience at Oriens.  Technical expertise, professionalism, and the highest level of business ethics and integrity are our core values. We look forward to continuing to build the Oriens brand and expanding our offering as a premier aircraft maintenance provider for business aviation in the British Isles."

Luca Zatti, Service Centre Manager for Pilatus Aircraft, has endorsed the Oriens team as "a great ambassador for our brand."

About the Pilatus PC-12

The Pilatus PC-12 can fly up to eight passengers in a luxury pressurized cabin, for up to 1,800 miles, at 320 mph and at 30,000 feet.  The PC-12 features a generous cargo door and can operate from small airfields of 800 m, from gravel strips and grass, combining to make it one of the most versatile and practical aircraft.   It can carry more payload than most for half the money. 

With a price tag of US$5 million, it can be a business aircraft / an air ambulance (able to convert inside an hour) a cargo aircraft and everything in between.  It also holds the best residual value in its class, retaining 80% of its value after 10 years.  The PC-12 has operated in the Arctic Circle, the African Plains and is a regular stable with Australia's time crucial Flying Doctors.  Its reputable single engine Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turbine is a legendary workhorse.

pilatus-aircraft.com

www.oriensaviation.com