Airlines

Pilatus Enhances PC-24 Jet’s Range, Payload, and Interior Amenities

Pilatus has increased the payload-range capability of its Super Versatile Jet to achieve a maximum range with six passengers of 2,000 nautical miles (3,704 km) beginning with new aircraft deliveries in 2024.

Pilatus also incorporated an array of new interior amenities, including a large side-facing divan which can be converted into a bed. The new PC-24 has an increased maximum payload capacity and full fuel payload of 600 pounds (272 kg).

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With six passengers on board, this enables operators to extend the PC-24’s maximum range by 200 nm (370 km). The PC-24 currently has a class-leading maximum payload capacity of 3,100 pounds (1,406 kg), which includes a single pilot plus 1,315 pounds (596 lb) of full fuel payload.

To widen the overall envelope for the heavier design weights, Pilatus engineers ran a lengthy flying test campaign. Balanced field length at sea level for the PC-24’s maximum takeoff weight is only 3,090 feet (941 metres), enabling the use of extremely brief and even unpaved runways.

A new integrated cabin management system (iCMS) with a 10″ touch screen controller, a 3D moving map, four high-fidelity cabin speakers with a sub-woofer option, mood lighting, USB connections, and a media storage server was developed by Pilatus in collaboration with Lufthansa Technik.

A new feature that enables predictive services will be included with every PC-24 starting with serial number 501. Upon landing, the automated data transmission of critical aircraft data to Pilatus will be examined, and if necessary, the operator will receive a predictive recommendation.

Airlines

DOT Proposes New Passenger Compensation Rules for Flight Disruptions

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has unveiled a major initiative to enhance protections for air travelers affected by flight cancellations or significant delays caused by airlines.

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This Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) seeks public feedback on new measures that could require airlines to compensate passengers and provide necessary services automatically.

Key Proposals by the DOT:

Cash Compensation for Airline-Caused Disruptions
- Airlines may be required to pay passengers at least $200 in cash for flight disruptions caused by circumstances under their control, such as mechanical issues or IT failures.
- A tiered compensation system is being considered:
  - $200–$300 for domestic delays of 3–6 hours.
  - $375–$525 for delays lasting 6–9 hours.
  - $750–$775 for delays exceeding 9 hours.
- The DOT is exploring whether smaller airlines should have different compensation thresholds and whether compensation is needed if passengers are notified weeks in advance of a disruption.
Free Rebooking on the Next Available Flight
- Airlines may be obligated to rebook passengers at no extra cost if a flight is canceled or delayed by at least 3 hours domestically or 6 hours internationally.
- Rebooking options may include:
  - Flights operated by the airline or its codeshare partners.
  - Flights on other carriers with which the airline has a commercial agreement if no suitable options are available within 24 hours.
Provision of Meals, Lodging, and Transportation
- Airlines may need to cover meals, overnight accommodations, and transportation for stranded passengers.
- Minimum reimbursements could be established when services aren’t provided upfront, ensuring passengers can recoup costs even without submitting receipts, up to a defined limit.

The DOT’s proposals draw inspiration from consumer protection frameworks in countries like Canada, Brazil, the UK, and the European Union. Research suggests that EU compensation requirements have successfully reduced the frequency and length of delays, demonstrating the effectiveness of such measures.

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Passengers currently face numerous hurdles when seeking compensation or services, including vague policies, lack of upfront communication, and reliance on in-person requests at airports. The new rulemaking aims to close these gaps by establishing clear, enforceable standards for airlines.

Public input on the proposed measures will shape the final rules. The DOT hopes these changes will create a more accountable and passenger-friendly system, ensuring travelers are better supported during disruptions.

With these proposed rules, the DOT seeks to make airline travel more reliable and fair, setting a new standard for passenger rights in the United States.