10/1 - Why Companies Are Snapping Up PC-12s: Smart Buys Meet Tax and Tariff Tailwinds

DataBite Technologies
Oct 1, 2025
3 min read

The Smart Buy: Best GA Aircraft Under $2 million for Companies

Every missed meeting, every delay at regional airports, costs companies millions. What if a sub-$2 million aircraft could eliminate that travel lag, allowing owners, operations, and sales teams to fly nonstop on their own schedule, with predictable costs, a proven airframe, and solid resale value?

A 15- to 16-year-old Pilatus PC-12 (pre-NGX, good maintenance history) is a solid option. Because it delivers turboprop efficiency, one-pilot certification, rugged short-field performance, and excellent payload, the PC-12 under $2 million gives regional businesses more reach per dollar than many light jets.

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With full fuel reserves, the PC-12 can fly roughly 1,340 nautical miles with seats full (≈6-7 passengers). It needs only 2,500-3,000 ft for takeoff from smaller regional airstrips and lands shorter. Cabin comfortably handles baggage, and payload with full fuel is strong (often over 1,200-1,500 lbs., depending on model/year). It climbs well, cruises around 260-270 knots, and flies up to ~30,000 ft.

A clean, well-maintained older PC-12 (approximately 2005-2008 vintage) typically sells for $1.6-$2.0 million, with an average price of around $1.8 million in good condition. Hourly direct operating costs hover $750-$1,000/hr. Annual fixed costs (insurance, hangar, training) generally run $200,000-$300,000. Dispatch reliability is excellent: large fleet, strong parts support, rugged build. Pilot training is straightforward; insurance is similar to that of other turboprops.

Rivals include the Cessna Citation Mustang (quicker cruise but higher operating costs), Beechcraft King Air C90/200 (twin reliability but costlier engines), and older light jets (faster but more expensive fuel and maintenance).

For companies moving 4–8 people on regional routes, a well-kept PC-12 under $2 million is a rare mix of reach, reliability, and efficiency, an investment that keeps paying back.

Sources:

FAA – General Aviation Overview: https://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/ga_study

Pilatus Aircraft Specs: https://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/en/

Conklin & de Decker PC-12 Performance Data: https://conklindedecker.jetsupport.com/details/Pilatus%20PC-6%20Dash%2027%20Engine

Aircraft Cost Calculator (PC-12): https://www.aircraftcostcalculator.com/AircraftOperatingCosts/256/Pilatus%2BPC-12%2BNG?

Controller.com PC-12 listings: https://jetswiss.com/how-much-does-a-pc-12-cost-per-hour/?

Cessna Citation Mustang overview: https://www.globalair.com/aircraft-for-sale/specifications?specid=614

Beechcraft King Air overview: https://beechcraft.txtav.com/en/king-air

Big Beautiful Bill x Tariffs Trigger Short-Term Buying Spree

The Big Beautiful Bill has triggered a clear uptick in aviation purchasing activity. Buyers are accelerating acquisitions to take advantage of favorable tax treatment, manage tariff exposure, and secure aircraft in a market where supply is tightening. Sandhills data shows used piston-single aircraft inventory rose 2.21 percent month-on-month in July 2025, though it is still down 14.95 percent year-over-year. Turboprop inventory increased 3.84 percent month-on-month but remains down 11.99 percent year-over-year. Jet inventory is nearly flat, up just 0.11 percent month-on-month and down 8.69 percent year-over-year.

Sales volumes mirror these shifts. Piston and turboprop segments are seeing stronger turnover relative to available supply, while the jet market is steady but more selective. If you compare volumes against inventory, you can see pressure building in the light and mid-market categories.

Tariffs are playing a meaningful role. Import duties on avionics, engines, and composite parts are adding between 5 and 15 percent to costs. Buyers are responding by pulling forward purchases, preferring to secure aircraft now rather than risk higher costs later. This has concentrated demand in the used market where supply chains are less exposed to global trade friction.

The tax code is providing a further incentive. With 100 percent bonus depreciation available for qualified aircraft placed in service after January 19, 2025, buyers can expense the full value of a purchase in year one. This materially lowers the effective cost of acquisition, making both corporate fleet upgrades and private purchases more attractive.

There are macro risks worth monitoring. Equity valuations remain elevated, and a correction could dampen appetite among high-net-worth buyers and corporate treasuries. Rising financing costs would weaken the economics of leveraged acquisitions. Inflation volatility could affect fuel and maintenance budgets, and tighter credit conditions could slow activity.

For now, however, the data is clear: piston-singles and turboprops are leading the activity, with jets holding steady. Policy has created incentives, and the market is moving to capture them.