MARKUS BUCHER

Markus Bucher serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, a position he has held since 2013. He is also the Chairman for the Pilatus subsidiaries in America and Australia. Bucher’s journey with Pilatus began in 1986 when he joined the company within the Production Planning & Engineering Organization. Over his 38-year tenure, he has become an integral part of Pilatus, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic vision.

Bucher's career at Pilatus has seen him take on various pivotal roles. Initially, he was involved in Production Planning and Disposition, quickly advancing to Production Engineering for trainer aircraft. His talent for managing complex projects soon saw him leading the Production and Program Planning team. As Project Manager and later Product Manager for Trainer Aircraft, Bucher played a critical role in advancing Pilatus' government aviation sector.

One of his most significant contributions came during his decade-long tenure as Director of Customer Support for Government Aviation. Here, he revolutionized the department by shifting from a “logistics on demand” model to a sustainable, customer-focused approach. He introduced performance-based contracts and life cycle product support models, which significantly improved customer satisfaction and profitability.

In 2008, Bucher was appointed Vice President of Aircraft Assembly and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), where he further honed his operational expertise. His leadership and strategic oversight in this role laid the groundwork for his promotion to Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 2011, where he managed manufacturing, aircraft assembly, MRO, procurement, ICT, and logistics.

Bucher’s educational background includes an apprenticeship as a mechanic/technician for agricultural machinery, higher education in Industrial Engineering, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He also pursued English Language Studies in New York and completed undergraduate studies in Economics and Business Administration.

Throughout his career, Markus Bucher has demonstrated a relentless commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction. His leadership has been instrumental in maintaining Pilatus' reputation for quality and reliability in the aerospace industry. As CEO, he continues to drive the company forward, ensuring it remains at the forefront of aviation technology and service.