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This December marks the 10th anniversary of the first Kodiak 100 delivery for Quest Aircraft, the Idaho-based manufacturer of the 10-seat turbine short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft.
Over the course of the past 10 years, the Kodiak has earned a reputation as a highly rugged and technologically advanced single-engine turboprop. By the end of this year, 235 Kodiaks will have been delivered to customers worldwide.
The Kodiak has made considerable advances during the past decade, thanks to a consistent outflow of upgrades and enhancements to each new model year.
The mission of the aircraft has evolved as well. Originally designed to be the ultimate humanitarian workhouse, the unique combination of robust construction and remarkable payload capability has resulted in many additional applications for the Kodiak, including float (amphibious and straight) operations, special missions, medevac, skydive and more.
The owner-flown segment continues to gain momentum as well, particularly in the North American marketplace.
Company CEO Rob Wells said: “The Kodiak design was born out of a passion to do good in the world, and better within our own industry. It is that passion and dedication that has brought us here today, celebrating 10 years since our first customer delivery. I’m proud to celebrate alongside our employees, partners and customers as we all look forward to many more years of growth and success.”
Over the past decade, Quest Aircraft has grown to employ over 300 workers, and has expanded its facility by 27,000 square feet. Quest honoured the achievement during its annual employee Christmas party event Dec. 13 at its headquarters in Sandpoint, Idaho.
