Quest Aircraft teams up with Chinese firm

by Cameron Rasmusson Staff Writer
| October 17, 2014 10:58 AM

SANDPOINT — Quest Aircraft Company has already seen its airplanes pervade the globe, but thanks to a new partnership, its reach has expanded farther than ever.

The company announced this week that it is teaming up with Chinese company SkyView Aircraft to handle distribution of the company’s signature Kodiak into Asian countries. According to company officials, the business relationship will eventually result in a considerable expansion of Quest’s manufacturing capabilities as SkyView eventually transitions into producing the airplanes itself.

“We are very excited about our partnership with SkyView,” said Sam Hill, president and CEO of Quest. “There is tremendous market potential in China, especially for a versatile, (short takeoff and landing) aircraft like the Kodiak. This agreement gives us the opportunity to not only increase presence in China, but contribute to the growth of their general aviation industry.”

The partnership with SkyView Aircraft will allow for aircraft distribution in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. They’ll expand upon the five Kodiaks already in operation in China today with a business plan that reaches past 2019. Starting in the company’s fourth quarter, they’ll begin Kodiak deliveries to SkyView customers with a minimum of 10 aircraft expected to be shipped in 2014 and 2015.

However, Kodiak deliveries only represent the first phase of the partnership. After about three years, the second phase will see SkyView buying partially-assembled Kodiak kits to be constructed in China. By 2019, SkyView will completely manufacture Kodiaks in their own facilities, expanding Quest’s production capabilities and revenue even further. In addition, SkyView will operate the China-based Kodiak Authorized Service Center.

The Kodiak should find a healthy market in Asian companies, Hill said. Designed as a small aircraft capable of taking off and landing in very rugged terrain, the Kodiak has found an enthusiastic user base among humanitarians and missionaries who often work in harsh, unforgiving terrain. Since the Kodiak can take off in under 1,000 feet at full gross takeoff weight of 7,255 pounds, climb at over 1,300 feet per minute and be equipped with modifications like floats, it’s easily adapted to most aviation conditions.

The past year has been a big one for Quest Aircraft, founded as a Sandpoint company 11 years ago. Last year, they completed delivery of the 100th Kodiak airplane. With new overseas partners, the company is poised to increase that number dramatically in the next few years.