Quest Aircraft has delivered the first Japanese-registered Kodiak single-engined turboprops to an unnamed seaplane operator, following certification of the 10-seat, high-wing type in early November by the country’s civil aviation authority.
The Asia-Pacific market is becoming increasingly lucrative for Quest. The region is home to nearly 20% of the 150-strong global fleet of Kodiaks, including the first two Philippine-registered aircraft, which were also handed over this month, to local charter operator Subic Air.
“We have had success in the Asia-Pacific region and expect to see additional deliveries next year,” says Sam Hill, chief executive of the Sandpoint, Idaho-based airframer. “The Kodiak’s versatility and performance capabilities, including for seaplane operations, make it perfect for a range of missions in this region.”
Quest Aircraft
To date, the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34-powered Kodiak has been certificated in 31 countries, and further validations are imminent, says Quest.
Thanks to burgeoning international demand, the $2 million Kodiak was the best turboprop performer in the third quarter of 2015, according to the US General Aviation Manufacturers Association, with 20 of the type delivered between January and September. This marked a climb of over 30% compared with the same period of 2014.
Source: Flight International
