The Finnish Air Force received the first of six PC-12 NG multipurpose liaison aircraft from Pilatus Aircraft on 1 July 2010.

The PC-12 NG aircraft will transport the air force’s personnel and cargo, and is expected to replace the Piper PA-31-350 Chieftain aircraft.

Pilatus signed a €22.5m ($28m) contract with the air force in April 2009 to deliver the six PC-12s by August 2010.

Pilatus carried out type conversion training of the first tranche of Finnish Air Force pilots and maintenance personnel at its factory in Stans in mid 2010.