The French Navy will officially become the first European military operator of the Pilatus PC-24 after signing a lease agreement with Jet Aviation.
On October 29, 2025, Jet Aviation announced the company had purchased three PC-24 aircraft to lease to the French Navy after being contracted by the Direction de la Maintenance Aéronautique (DMAé).
The agreement includes Jet Aviation providing sustainment support of the aircraft for the duration of the contract.
“It has been a privilege to work together with the DMAé and Pilatus on the selection and acquisition of the new fleet of PC-24 for the French Navy,” says Jeremie Caillet, Jet Aviation’s President. “With over 55 years of maintenance experience, including over 35 years working with governmental fleets, we are committed to providing our customers with solutions that are specifically tailored to meet their individual mission needs.”
Under the contract, Jet Aviation will offer the French Navy on-site line and base maintenance and continuation of airworthiness management (CAMO) services.
The French Navy selected the Pilatus PC-24 to replace its fleet of Dassault Falcon 10MER aircraft. The Embraer Phenom 300 was also reported to be under consideration as a replacement.
The PC-24s, which are scheduled to be delivered from February 2026, will be used for training fighter pilots in instrument flying and military procedures. The aircraft will have additional missions when the need arises.
“We are delighted to see the PC-24 selected for the French Navy’s operational needs, highlighting its unique capabilities as a flexible and reliable platform for government missions. Our collaboration with Jet Aviation has been exemplary and instrumental in achieving this success, and we look forward to the first delivery in a few months,” said Ioannis Papachristofilou, Vice President Government Aviation at Pilatus.
Additionally, Pilatus will provide its CrystalCare support program to the French Navy.
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