pilatus

Pilatus is a name associated with two prominent Swiss subjects: Mount Pilatus, a mountain near Lucerne, and Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., a Swiss aircraft manufacturer.

Mount Pilatus is a mountain massif in central Switzerland, located near the city of Lucerne and spanning the cantons of Nidwalden and Lucerne. Its summits reach roughly 2,100 meters above sea level, offering expansive views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne. The name is linked to legends involving Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. The mountain is a major tourist destination, accessible by several routes, including the Pilatus Railway, a cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad to the summit—the steepest of its kind in the world—and a cable car network from Kriens to Fräkmüntegg and onward to the summit. The area features hiking trails, viewpoints, and mountaintop facilities for visitors.

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. is a Swiss aircraft manufacturer based in Stans, Nidwalden. Founded in 1939 to supply the Swiss Air Force, the company has produced a range of civil and military aircraft and is known for its versatile designs in turboprop and trainer categories. Notable models include the Porter (PC-6), the training aircraft PC-7 and PC-9, the turboprop PC-12, and the PC-21 advanced trainer; the company also markets the PC-24 light jet. Pilatus serves customers worldwide, including air forces and private operators, and remains a leading player in Swiss aerospace.