For more than seven decades, Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus has specialised in creating nimble, versatile turboprop planes. Earlier this year, the prestigious airplane maker unveiled its first ever jet-powered aircraft at Geneva’s European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition – and it didn’t disappoint. 

Selling out in just two days, the luxurious PC-24 twin-engine jet justifies its eye-watering US $8.9 million price tag with an impressive cruise speed of 489mph, a reconfigurable cabin seating arrangement and by being the world’s first business jet suitable for landing on short, unmade runways. This is particularly advantageous for those who find themselves frequenting the world’s lesser-developed areas.

According to Pilatus, the aircraft went through a painstaking, consumer-led design phase before it was ready to manufacture, a process that took eight years. This no doubt added to the craft’s popularity, and contributed to the 84 PC-24 sales that came in Geneva.

Thanks to its popularity, the manufacturer is expected to announce a second aircraft production run in the near future.