Sam Chui

Swiss plane manufacturer Pilatus just launched the new PC-12 PRO model, I flew with the test pilot over the Swiss Alps.

Flying from the Pilatus Headquarter in Buochs, I boarded the latest PC-12 model; PC-12 PRO. The new aircraft comes with new Garmin touchscreen avionics, auto-land capability, flight-control safety updates, a new yoke, and a refreshed cabin. Test Pilot Patrick explained all the new features while we flew out of Buochs heading for Samedan.

The most notable changes to the venerable business and private aircraft, powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turboprop, are in the cockpit. Pilatus shifted with the PC-12 Pro to a version of Garmin’s G3000 avionics suite which is very friendly to new pilots and reduces the workload for a single pilot.

During the cruise, I tested the auto throttle feature that won’t allow the plane to stall. Then I tried to steep bank the plane with greater than 51 degrees and see how the plane safety envelope system react. The PC-12 Pro cruises at up to 290kt (537km/h) and has a 30,000ft altitude ceiling and maximum range of 1,830nm (3,389km).

A helicopter joine us over the Swiss Alps and filmed us air-to-air. It was a gorgeous day flying in the winter landscape of Switzerland. We landed in Samedan and eventually departed to Zurich International Airport. The PC-12 PRO is already certified and available for delivery from Q4 2025.

Join me on the new Lufthansa Allegris First Class flight from Chicago to Munich. I tried out the double suite in the middle!

Lufthansa continues rolling out its €2.5 Billion cabin upgrade program "Allegris". The new Lufthansa First Class features a floor-to-ceiling wide suite. I settled in my window suite 1A and received First Class champagne, pajamas, slippers, and a Porsche Design amenity kit before takeoff.

I was the only first-class passenger on the flight, and I moved to the middle double suite to dine after takeoff. Dinner started with caviar, a long tradition in First Class. I enjoyed some red wine tasting which pairs well with the beef steak. After dinner, the flight attendant promptly turned down the double seat into a double bed with full privacy. The First Class seat also comes with heating/cooling climate control by Swiss company Caynova AG.

Before landing, I summed up my new Lufthansa Allegris First Class suite experience; which has raised the bar considerably and is a truly Next-Gen First Class product. However, there are just 3 suites available and it will be difficult to use miles for redemption or upgrade.