Quest's Kodiak receives Mexican certification

SANDPOINT — Quest Aircraft Company, manufacturer of the Kodiak, has received certification from in Mexico.

The Kodiak is now certified in eight countries, with additional certifications in process.

Quest also announced that it is delivering the first Kodiak to a Mexican operator.

The customer, based in the northeastern state of Coahuila, Mexico, plans to use the Kodiak in its mining operations. The Kodiak’s easily configured interior, which allows for quick switching between passenger and cargo hauling configurations, will suit their needs well, Quest officials said.

“We are excited that the Kodiak has achieved certification in another Latin American country,” said Steve Zinda, director of sales and marketing. “We have had a lot of interest from a variety of market segments in the region and this additional certification will help our sales efforts there.” The Kodiak received Brazilian certification earlier this year.

Since beginning customer deliveries in late 2007, the Kodiak has achieved certification in multiple countries and been deployed around the world in a variety of applications. Kodiaks are in service with charter operators, small businesses, personal owners, U.S. and international governments, and humanitarian organizations. Several Kodiaks on floats have been delivered, including nine float-equipped Kodiaks to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“The Kodiak’s unique attributes are well-suited to the varying needs of each customer,” Zinda continued. “For example, the low operating costs and STOL capabilities are particularly attractive to utility operators, such as our new owner in Mexico. Those features combined with the speed and our other performance capabilities truly make the Kodiak one aircraft with many missions.”

Quest Aircraft Company, LLC is the manufacturer of the Kodiak, a 10-place single engine turboprop utility airplane, designed for STOL use and float capability. Headquartered in Sandpoint, Idaho, the company was established in 2001 and began deliveries of the Kodiak in December 2007.