KODIAK Production Ramping Up
June 8, 2011...Sandpoint, ID...Quest Aircraft Company continues to move forward on several fronts, including increased production rates for the KODIAK. Earlier this year, a recapitalization along with new funding from investors enabled the company to expand and invest in a few key areas, including production increases at its Sandpoint facility.
Quest's long term corporate strategy is focused on global growth and expansion. The recent financing transaction allows for a more aggressive pursuit of this strategy. Quest is positioning itself to take advantage of the opportunities that are emerging as the global aviation market continues to improve. The development of a more expansive domestic and international sales network coupled with additional Authorized Service Center operations will enable Quest to grow along with increased market demand.
The company's executive leadership is also transitioning. Paul Schaller, who has been Quest's Chief Executive Officer, is leaving that position and will now serve as a consultant to the company. Ron Wright, Director of Operations, will continue to oversee the production facility in Sandpoint. Several new positions have also been created. Steve Zinda has been named Director, Sales and Marketing and Paul Duff is Director, Procurement. Both bring substantial aviation and industry experience to Quest. Zinda and Duff are based in Wichita, KS, where the company plans to locate several key management positions.
"Quest Aircraft's commitment to its core belief of designing, building, delivering and supporting a reliable aircraft remains unwavering," said Zinda. "The KODIAK provides operators the versatility needed to accomplish any mission regardless of the destination. Whether your travels require you to land on grass, gravel, water, or any runway, the KODIAK can take you there. This 'go anywhere' identity is the foundation of Quest."
Quest began customer deliveries of the KODIAK in late 2007, and it has since been deployed in more than 10 countries around the world in a variety of applications. KODIAKs are in service with charter operators, small businesses, personal owners, skydiving operations, U.S. and international governments, and humanitarian organizations. This past summer, Quest delivered nine float-equipped KODIAKs to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and most recently to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
The KODIAK's rugged aluminum construction combines superior STOL performance and high useful load. It offers proven turbine reliability with the Pratt & Whitney PT6 turbine engine, has the ability to land and take off from unimproved surfaces and is capable of working off floats without structural upgrades. The KODIAK can take off in under 1,000 feet at full gross takeoff weight of 7,255 lbs and climb at over 1,300 feet per minute. A 3-panel Garmin G1000 integrated avionics suite including Synthetic Vision Technology is standard equipment on the KODIAK.
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.
Media Contact: Julie Stone
Office: (912) 898-8673 ▪ Mobile: (912) 398-0498
jstone@questaircraft.com