Oriens Aviation, the authorised sales and service centre for Pilatus Aircraft in the British Isles, is expanding its service portfolio with a newly granted AOC from the UK Civil Aviation Authority for the PC-12 aircraft family. Its new subsidiary, Oriens Flight Operations, has already signed two PC-12NGXs under the AOC as of January 2023, to be based at London Biggin Hill and Manchester airports.

The Oriens Flight Operations business is led by accountable manager Glen Smith. His 25 years’ experience in business aviation has included senior accountable positions within AOC operations, including accountable manager, ground operations manager and continuing airworthiness manager. He has worked with multiple UK charter operators managing entry level up to long range executive jet aircraft.

“The award of an AOC and establishment of this flight operations department is a significant investment in our seven year history supporting Pilatus,” says Oriens Aviation founder and CEO Edwin Brenninkmeyer. “The decision was taken in response to demand, talking with customers we support for MRO and technical services, and new prospects looking for a comprehensive ownership experience as the popularity of the PC-12 widens in Europe, including first time business aviation owners and users.”

Oriens is further bolstering its customer offering with the introduction of an EOS360 Enhanced Ownership Support programme, building on its expertise as a Pilatus authorised centre. EOS360 delivers cost saving benefits to owners, having their aircraft operated and maintained under a single, streamlined process.

Oriens’ EOS360 covers three levels of support tailored to owners’ specific requirements, blending every aspect of ownership to ensure peace of mind. The most comprehensive Platinum membership is the all-in service, providing levels of Pilatus technical and operational expertise unrivalled in the UK, transforming aircraft ownership into one simple solution.

Oriens’ new AOC customers at London Biggin Hill and Manchester airports have chosen the EOS360 Platinum option. Additional customers have signed up for the EOS360 Premier membership. Further plans include the development of enhanced crew training focused on the key strengths and flexibility of the Pilatus PC-12, along with a carbon offsetting programme.

“Our new AOC operation, bolstered with the EOS360 Enhanced Ownership Support package, enables us to deliver high quality support to a previously underserved market,” says Smith. “We have a team of the highest pedigree within this area of the industry, demonstrating an enviable level of single engine turboprop expertise to operate PC-12’s in the UK, both under Part-CAT and Part-NCO.”