Pilatus: the entrepreneur unlocking new horizons for business aviation in Japan

In 2023, after months of meticulous planning, the founder and CEO of Japanese business aircraft operator OpenSky, Shigeto Honda, took delivery of Japan’s first Pilatus PC-12 NGX turboprop and PC-24 jet.

The arrival of the two Pilatus private aircraft brought Honda’s vision to life, enhancing the development of Japan’s private and business travel market by providing clients with access to previously underserved routes across the country.

The project, a collaboration between Swiss manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft and OpenSky, was the product of Honda’s ground-breaking idea and Pilatus’ determination to introduce its aircraft into new markets around the globe.

Since launching in 2018, OpenSky has offered its customers the freedom of fractional fleet ownership while traveling on aircraft that can operate on shorter runways, enabling them to avoid Japan’s larger airports.

In Japan, business aviation has only really taken off within the last decade, as passengers have discovered how much easier it is to fly rather than travel by road or train. Fractional executive aircraft ownership is also relatively new.

PilatusThe OpenSky network has proven successful in enabling business aviation travelers to reach their most sought-after destinations, which are not served by regional airlines and would be too time-consuming to access through other transportation methods.

As the company’s popularity increased, Honda recognized the need to expand his fleet and to bring on board the aircraft that would power OpenSky to the next level.

In 2020, with this in mind, Honda, a qualified pilot himself, turned to Pilatus and its PC-12 NGX and PC-24 business aircraft.

Known for their efficiency, cost effectiveness and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, the Pilatus PC-12 NGX and PC-24 were the perfect fit, and Honda was determined to introduce the aircraft to the Japanese market.

However, the acquisition of the aircraft posed its own challenges as the infrastructure to service and maintain the PC-12 and PC-24 would need to be in place for OpenSky to operate the new fleet successfully.

Establishing a new business model (fractional ownership) on a new aircraft type in the region required close collaboration with the investors, who saw OpenSky as a relatively small new start-up.

However, working together in partnership and with the same fierce determination, both Honda and Pilatus were committed to overcoming all obstacles that stood in the way.

Finally, in 2020, Honda signed a contract with Pilatus to bring the first PC-12 and PC-24 to Japan and the project attracted the support of an investor impressed by OpenSky’s expansion and plans for growth.

‘I can say we have the best aircraft in Japan’

Honda and Pilatus’ drive to bring the first PC-12 and PC-24 to Japan has since paid dividends for the company and plans are now in motion to offer private flights to South Korea and parts of China at some future point.

Such was the success of the project that in 2024 OpenSky received its second PC-24, and it now plans to continue adding more Pilatus to its fleet in the coming years. 

“Adding brand new aircraft is always an exciting event. Our company mission is to bring more aviation to people. We are making great progress in advancing our mission in Japan and the East Asia region,” said Honda in March 2025.

The response from OpenSky customers to the PC-12 and PC-24 has been extremely positive, with some clients who own an aircraft opting to use the service provided by Honda and his team.

“One of our co-owners has his own Global 7500 and he used to fly in his Global even for short Japan domestic flights. After he tried the PC-12 and the PC-24, he travels more frequently in Japan and loves flying in Pilatus,” explained Honda.

He added: “And it’s not only him. Also, the other co-owners and people who flew in our Pilatus have been very satisfied with the flight experience.”

When asked how Pilatus aircraft have exceeded his expectations, Honda highlights the comfort of both PC-12 and PC-24’s cabins compared to other aircraft of their size.

“I can say we have the best aircraft in Japan… except perhaps the ultra-long-range jets,” said Honda.

The aircraft

The first Pilatus PC-12 NGX was delivered in July 2020 to a customer in the UK. The aircraft is certified for single pilot use and features a Pratt & Whitney PT6E engine.

Part of the PC-12 family, Open Sky’s NGX offers an executive interior that can carry up to six passengers, includes larger cabin windows, inspired by the PC-24 jet and passenger seats which convert into a flat bed.

Widely praised, the PC-12 NGX turboprop comes with a range of up to 1,800nm, maximum cruise speed of 290 knots and takeoff distance of 2,485 feet.

The PC-24 business jet was first delivered in February 2018. It is famed for its short runway capabilities and is certified for operations on grass, gravel, dirt and snow.

What’s more, with a single pilot certification, the PC-24 can operate from runways as short as 3,090 feet and travel up to 2,100nm, carrying as many as 11 passengers.

Pilatus On March 14th, 2025, Pilatus Aircraft announced the launch of the new model, the PC-12 PRO – the Most Advanced Single – highlighting its outstanding features:

New external lights

Pilatus Advanced Cockpit Environment powered by Garmin G3000 Prime

Emergency Autoland cutting-edge safety system

Powerful 12” Weather Radar

Increased payload by 100lbs

Redesigned lavatory and cabinets

Li-Ion batteries – lighter and easier maintenance
You can discover more about Pilatus Aircraft on the manufacturer’s website.The post Pilatus: the entrepreneur unlocking new horizons for business aviation in Japan appeared first on AeroTime.

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