When Pilatus introduced its very first jet, the PC-24, just over a year ago, it drew interest from around the world. In May, that interest converted to cash deposits for the $ 8.9 million aircraft. Pilatus opened the order books at the annual European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition, held in Geneva, and signed binding contracts for 84 airplanes.

The PC-24 twin-engine jet seats up to 10 passengers and shares many of the features of the Swiss manufacturer’s popular PC-12 turboprop: a big rear cargo door, easy-to-reconfigure cabin seating, and the ability to land on short, unimproved runways.