Tata Sons Unit Signs Deal With Switzerland-Based Pilatus Aircraft

Hyderabad: Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), a subsidiary of Tata Sons, on Tuesday announced that it has signed an agreement with Switzerland-based Pilatus Aircraft Ltd to manufacture and supply Pilatus PC-12 'Green Aircraft' aero-structures from a facility here.

The agreement includes assembly of complete airframes for the aircraft, including integrated fuselage, wing, cockpit, ailerons, fins and rudders, according to a press release issued by TASL.

The Pilatus PC-12 NG is one of the most popular turbine-powered business aircraft in the market today with over 1,300 aircraft already sold worldwide. In operation around the globe, the PC-12 NG has found popularity in a number of roles including executive transport, cargo, air-ambulance, airline, and government special mission applications, the release said.

Switzerland-based Pilatus currently supplies its PC-7 MkII Basic Trainer Aircraft to the Indian Air Force as part of its contract for 75 such aircraft.

"Tata is without doubt a partner of choice for Pilatus in the continued expansion of its portfolio of international sub-contractors. The partnership is also important in the context of Pilatus' offset obligation resulting from the sale of the PC-7 MkII Training Aircraft System to the Indian Air Force," Pilatus Aircraft Ltd CEO Markus Bucher said.

TASL chairman S Ramadorai said it is a matter of pride that Pilatus found TASL to be the partner of choice in its global supply chain.

"This significant initiative is a testament to the strong performance demonstrated by Tata Advanced Systems in recent years to become a supplier of choice for aero-structures manufacturing."

"Our desire is to further strengthen this partnership with Pilatus to develop capabilities for complete aircraft manufacturing in India, which will meet the needs of the Indian defence forces," Mr Ramadorai said in the statement.