Quest Aircraft planning factory expansion

Quest Aircraft Company has developed plans to expand its Sandpoint, ID factory. The company is adding approximately 75,000 square feet to its KODIAK production facility. Construction is slated to begin in August, with a targeted completion by the end of the year.

“We are very pleased that the increased worldwide demand for the KODIAK necessitates the need to increase our production capacity,” said Sam Hill, Quest CEO. “We have been ramping up production of the KODIAK, and to efficiently meet continued demand for the aircraft, we need to grow our Sandpoint facility.”

The company last increased the size of its facility in 2005, when it expanded to its current 84,000 square feet. Since receiving FAA Type Certification in 2007, Quest has seen continued growth in the global marketplace and has KODIAKs in operation in over 20 countries. Key market segments include personal use, business/corporate use, Part 135 operations, government and humanitarian organizations. The KODIAK has received 19 certifications covering 29 countries, with several additional certifications imminent.

The KODIAK's rugged aluminum construction combines superior STOL performance and high useful load. With powerful turbine performance, the aircraft 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.