If you’re looking at the cost of Pilatus PC-24, you probably already know it’s the Swiss Army knife of the sky. It’s the only business jet that can land on a dirt strip in the middle of nowhere and then turn around and look perfectly at home on the ramp at Teterboro.
But here’s the thing. Most people just look at the sticker price and stop there.
Owning a jet like this isn't just about the initial $13 million or so you wire to Switzerland. It’s a living, breathing financial entity. Honestly, if you aren't prepared for the "hidden" numbers—the engine reserves, the crew benefits, the specific insurance hikes for grass-strip landings—you’re going to have a bad time.
The Price of Entry: Buying a PC-24 in 2026
Right now, if you want a brand-new Pilatus PC-24 fresh off the line in Stans, you’re looking at a list price somewhere between $13 million and $14 million.
That’s a jump from a few years ago. Why? Demand is basically relentless. Pilatus doesn't overproduce, which keeps the market tight.
The used market is even weirder. Usually, jets depreciate the second you fly them home, but the PC-24 has been holding its value like a vintage Porsche. A pre-owned model from 2019 or 2020 with 1,500 hours on the clock will still fetch $10.5 million to $11.5 million easily.
You’ve gotta realize that "used" in this world doesn't mean "old." These are highly maintained machines. But if you find one for under $9 million, check the logs. It likely has high cycles or is coming due for a massive inspection.
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Why the Price Varies So Much
- The CrystalCare Factor: If the plane is enrolled in Pilatus’s CrystalCare program, the price goes up. Why? Because the next owner knows the maintenance is already "pre-paid" and handled by the factory.
- Interior Configuration: A 10-seat commuter setup costs different than the 6-seat executive layout with the fancy BMW Designworks finishes.
- Avionics Upgrades: The newer "Advanced Cockpit Environment" (ACE) updates add significant value for pilots who want the latest Honeywell tech.
The Hourly Burn: What It Actually Costs to Fly
Once you own it, the spending really starts.
Basically, you have two types of costs: variable (stuff you pay for only when the engines are running) and fixed (the stuff that bleeds your bank account even when the jet is sitting in the hangar).
Variable costs for a PC-24 usually hover around $2,200 to $2,500 per hour.
Fuel is the big one. At current 2026 rates, you're burning about 190 gallons per hour. If fuel is $6.50 a gallon, that's $1,235 every hour you're in the air.
Then there’s the maintenance reserves. You must set aside money for the Williams FJ44-4A engines. If you don’t, and an engine needs a mid-life inspection or an overhaul, you’re looking at a bill that could literally buy a small house. Most operators set aside about $350 to $400 per hour just for the engines.
The "Keep It Legal" Costs: Fixed Expenses
Even if you never fly a single mile, the PC-24 will cost you about $500,000 to $650,000 a year just to exist.
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The Crew
You can fly this jet with one pilot. It's certified for it. But most corporate flight departments won't touch a single-pilot operation for insurance reasons.
In 2026, a high-quality PC-24 Captain expects a salary between $180,000 and $230,000, plus benefits. If you want a First Officer, add another $130,000.
Hangar and Insurance
Insurance for a $13 million jet isn't cheap. If you have "Dual Pro" pilots (two highly experienced pros), your annual premium might be around **$50,000**. If you’re an owner-pilot with low experience? Good luck. Your premium could double or the underwriters might just say no.
Hangar fees vary wildly by location. A heated hangar at a major hub like Chicago or New Jersey can run you $5,000 to $8,000 a month. If you’re in a rural area, you might get away with $2,500.
Is the PC-24 Worth the Premium?
When you compare the cost of Pilatus PC-24 to something like a Phenom 300E or a Citation CJ4 Gen2, the Pilatus often looks more expensive on paper.
But those jets can't land on a 3,000-foot unpaved runway.
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The PC-24 has a massive cargo door. You can fit a pallet in there. You can fit a motorbike. You can’t do that with a Citation. For many owners, that utility justifies the extra $2 million in acquisition cost because it saves them from having to own both a jet and a turboprop like a PC-12.
Tax Breaks and the Bottom Line
If you’re using this for business, the math changes. Thanks to current tax laws, many owners use "bonus depreciation" to write off a huge chunk of the purchase price in the first year.
Also, if you put your jet on a Charter Certificate (Part 135), you can offset your fixed costs. Every hour someone else pays to fly your jet is an hour that helps cover your pilot salaries and insurance.
Moving Forward With Your Purchase
If you're serious about pulled the trigger on a PC-24, don't go it alone.
First, hire a specialized buyer’s agent who knows the Pilatus market specifically. They know which tail numbers are about to hit a major inspection.
Second, get an insurance quote before you sign the purchase agreement. Your pilot's experience level will dictate your operating budget more than you think.
Finally, decide on your maintenance plan. Whether it’s CrystalCare or Williams TAP Blue for the engines, having a "power by the hour" program is the only way to ensure your cost of Pilatus PC-24 remains predictable and your resale value stays high.