They say time flies, and looking back on the Pilot Air story, it seems just yesterday when John Pilotto and his son Eddie built Australia’s first reciprocating type compressor pumps and complete air compressor units in John’s garage way back in 1980. Since those humble beginnings, Pilot Air has become Australia’s most trusted brand in quality-built air compressor units, products and accessories. The company is founded on principles that have seen our brand become synonymous with longevity and reliability. Servicing heavy industry as well as those on the land and the home DIYers, Pilot Air’s historical timeline is one of perseverance, continual improvement and loyalty to our customers and distributors.
“Engineered in Sydney. Built tough for Australian conditions.”
Building great things takes risk management and adaptability
Twelve months after John and Eddie built the first of what was to become a leading stable of quality air compressors, the father and son combination moved from John’s garage to our first operational factory in Bankstown, New South Wales. Here they began fine-tuning the manufacturing techniques and importing the best high-quality Italian-manufactured reciprocating type compressor pumps from Italy. Known as the ‘NS’ pump series, these gems formed a vital piece in the manufacturing process, which continued to gain respect and traction in the industry for the next three to four years.
From the mid-eighties to the end of the decade, the company knew they were on the right track. The business was expanding, and in 1986 they moved from Bankstown into a larger factory in Silverwater NSW. They were importing the legendary ‘K’ series pumps from Italy and manufacturing these into complete units. In 1987 the company released its first range of compressed air dryers and filters and 12 months later further expanded, opening a larger production facility in Auburn NSW, maintaining the Silverwater facility as its headquarters and service base.
Key Takeaways
Proven Reliability
Pilot Air has more than 40 years of Australian manufacturing experience, ensuring compressors are built to handle heat, dust, and heavy-duty use.
Comprehensive Range
From rotary screw to reciprocating and oil-free models, Pilot Air offers solutions for workshops, industrial sites, and specialist applications.
Customised Solutions
Businesses can access custom-built packages designed to meet unique power, duty cycle, and operational requirements.
Trusted Service Network
Pilot Air provides nationwide support through service & maintenance and readily available spare parts.
The next 20 years were a great period of growth
As the company said goodbye to the 1980s, the next 20 years were a period of great growth and innovation. In 1992 the Brisbane office in Sumner Park became a reality, servicing Queensland, and in 1993 the NSW Silverwater facility was expanded into a larger factory and commenced operations manufacturing rotary screw compressor packages for a growing customer base in heavy industry including automotive, mining, agriculture and industrial manufacturing. By the early 2000s Pilot Air was now one of Australia’s leading brands and needed further factory expansion. The company stayed in Silverwater in NSW but relocated to a much larger facility to keep up with skyrocketing demand.
Pilot Air launches the variable speed drive rotary screw compressor
When the next decade began, Pilot Air had built an enviable reputation for manufacturing the highest quality air compressor systems in Australia. The company had an impressive distribution network and in 2011 launched its first range of variable speed drive rotary screw compressors. Over the next three years, Pilot Air expanded its Auburn NSW facility to include a sophisticated service and parts division, relocated its Brisbane facility to a larger premises in Richlands QLD, released its Quickline air distribution products and launched its first scroll type oil free compressors.
By the end of 2017 Pilot Air had relaunched the classic K series of reciprocating type compressors with a host of updates and added features that continued the K-series as the premium reciprocating air compressor on the market. Keeping innovation at the pointy end of development, the horizontal and vertical air receivers became part of the Pilot Air catalogue and in 2017 the company launched the ‘OFP’ range of oil-free type reciprocating compressors with outstanding results.
“Trusted nationwide for over 40 years of compressed air expertise.”
Now and into the future
Pilot Air has been the leading manufacturer of compressed air systems in Australia for decades. The company’s commitment to manufacturing the most powerful and reliable air compressors never waivers. The company supported its growth by providing outstanding customer service, excellent back up and spare parts and always standing by our products and our people. Pilot Air continues to innovate and build on its impressive reputation now and into the future, providing our customers with quality products that outperform and outlast our competitors.
Learn more about our compressed air products or chat with one of our team specialists to find the best solution for your needs.
