Industry veteran tapped to lead Quest

SANDPOINT — Robert H. Wells has joined Quest Aircraft Company as the company’s new chief executive officer.

Wells has more than 40 years of aviation experience. Most recently he spent 15 years with TAG Aviation, rising to CEO of the Holding Company. Wells officially assumed his new role with Quest on Jan. 15.

“I am very pleased that an individual of Rob’s caliber and talent will be leading Quest moving forward,” said outgoing CEO Sam Hill. “Rob’s tenure with TAG Aviation’s family of companies and his broad aviation management experience will be a true asset as Quest continues its worldwide growth.”

Wells began his business aviation career with Beech Aircraft Corporation as a zone manager and later joined Piedmont Hawthorne (which became Landmark Aviation) as an aircraft salesman. Wells held a number of management positions with Piedmont over 22 years, the last of which was executive vice president. He joined TAG Aviation in 1999 and retired as TAG Aviation Holding CEO in 2015, and has remained an advisor to the company’s boards of directors. Earlier in his career he gained experience as a flight instructor and air taxi pilot, including a period flying in Southeast Alaska

“I look forward to being part of the team at Quest,” said Rob Wells. “The Kodiak is a remarkably successful aircraft and the company has come a long way in the last few years. I am excited to be part of Quest’s next chapter.”

Quest announced in December that Hill was retiring and a search for his successor was underway. Hill will continue as an advisor to the company and a member of the board of directors.

Quest’s long-term corporate strategy is focused on global development and growth. Since 2012, Kodiak deliveries have risen steadily and the aircraft has received 23 certifications covering 33 countries. In June, the first phase of expansion at the company’s Sandpoint headquarters was completed, adding 27,000 square feet and bringing the current building to 110,000 square feet.

As part of the second phase of the project, a 5,000-square-foot research and development hangar facility was finished, and includes new office space and an upgraded hangar work space. Officials said Quest continues to develop its property in Sandpoint and plans for further expansion are underway.

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

Information: questaircraft.com