Serving the world

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. When Levaero (originally branded as Pilatus Centre Canada) opened its doors in Thunder Bay, Ontario, nearly 20 years ago, the company was focused on being Canada’s exclusive Pilatus dealer, both for sales and service of the famed PC-12 single engine turboprop.

Today, Levaero remains Canada’s exclusive Pilatus dealer, both for the PC-12 and now the exciting new PC-24 twin-engine business jet. “Since we started, the company has constantly upgraded its MRO [maintenance, repair and overhaul] capabilities and expertise,” said Robert Arnone, Levaero’s president and CEO. “We have also put tremendous effort into providing consistent customer-first service.”

Maybe that explains it: Although Levaero is positioned to serve the Canadian market, the company is actually also serving Pilatus owners from the United States, and indeed all over the world.

Actually, there are many reasons why Pilatus owners are bringing their aircraft to Levaero. One major reason is that Levaero is available to offer assistance whenever Pilatus owners need it.

“Although we are a Pilatus dealer, we provide 24/7, AOG [aircraft on ground] and on-site maintenance services for a variety of aircraft, to get you back in the air safely and quickly,” said Arnone. “This includes having a 24 hour AOG team that can be dispatched to wherever your aircraft is, so that you can get it fixed and flying as soon as possible.”

Levaero’s diverse mix of service capabilities, including line and heavy maintenance, avionics repairs, installations and upgrades, structural repairs, modifications and interior refurbishment, provides clients with a one-stop solution.

Another reason why international Pilatus owners are flocking to Levaero is its knowledgeable MRO services. The company employs highly-skilled, well-trained technicians who know Pilatus aircraft inside and out.

“The reason why we are so knowledgeable is due to the PC-12 being so widely deployed by Canadian operators,” said Arnone. “Thanks to so many PC-12s coming to us for service, Levaero has seen virtually everything that can become an issue on this aircraft–and fixed it. Nothing builds your skills like problem-solving for clients!”

A third factor driving customers to Levaero is the company’s commitment to making PC-12s do more for their owner/operators.

Specifically, “Levaero is a Centre of Excellence for the installation of the Finnoff Aviation Products PT6A-67P upgrade for pre-NG PC-12 aircraft,” said Arnone. “The latest P&W PT6A engine technology has been used to develop the PT6A-67P engine.

In plain language, this upgrade installs the engine used in the newer PC-12 NG aircraft into earlier PC-12 models. The performance improvement is significant: With the PT6A-67P engine installed, pre-NG PC-12s will see a speed increase of up to 15 to 20 knots, and an improvement in their climb rate.

“Whether you install the 67P or not, Levaero offers a life extension process that can extend the life of your Pilatus PC-12 by 150 percent,” said Arnone. “You’ll need to contact us for details.”

As for the fact that Levaero is located in Thunder Bay, Ontario? No problem: “Our concierge service will pick up your Pilatus wherever it is in the world, and fly it back to our MRO shop,” said Arnone. “We’ll do everything that needs to be done to bring it back to prime operating condition–or even better if you get the 67P engine upgrade–and then fly it back to you, all pristine and ready to fly.”

Taken as a whole, these services explain why aircraft owners around the world are turning to Levaero. One of them is Phelps Lane, founder and president of Cygnus Lift in Denver, Colorado.

“I purchased a Pilatus PC-12/45 from Levaero that had gone through their rigorous life extension program,” said Lane in a testimonial published on Levaero’s website.

“The professionalism and attention to detail demonstrated by their maintenance engineers reassured me that I was making a sound purchase decision and that the aircraft would continue being a reliable workhorse for many years to come. I also chose to install the upgraded 67P engine, new avionics, the five-bladed MT prop, as well as other improvements. Most importantly, the people at Levaero are great and a pleasure to work with–they get things done. I was so happy with my first LEP PC-12, that I have ordered another.”

“As Pilatus’ exclusive Canadian dealer, we are humbled by the fact that people from around the globe are coming to Levaero for our services,” said Robert Arnone. “This is a responsibility that we take very seriously, by always doing our best to deliver top-notch service and support to our customers wherever they may be.”