A multi-engine, instrument rated pilot, James Wynbrandt has been an AIN and Business Jet Traveler contributor since 2003. His in-depth reporting and insightful features have won more than a dozen editorial honors, including two National Business Aviation Association Gold Wing Awards (2019; 2021), and his articles have also appeared in the New York Times, Barron’s, Fortune, Forbes, and Smithsonian Air &amp; Space. He has flown his Mooney M20K 252 on assignments throughout North and Central America and the Caribbean. Wynbrandt is also the author of Flying High (Wiley &amp; Sons), a biography of Jet Blue founder David Neeleman, as well as histories, references works, and books on a variety of other topics from major publishers. He lives in New York City.

Contributor - Business Aviation

James Wynbrandt

The Kodiaks are coming. At a ceremony at ABACE 2013 on Tuesday, Beijing General Aviation Industry Base Investment Holding Co. (BGA) signed a contract for delivery of two Quest Kodiaks with options for four additional aircraft from Blue Eagle Aviation Investment Co. of Beijing, exclusive distributor in Greater China for the single-engine turbine powered utility aircraft. Made by Quest Aircraft of Sandpoint, Idaho, these would be the first Kodiaks delivered in China.


“We’re very happy to get the first order in China,” said Alex Li, president of Blue Eagle Aviation. “We’re very, very confident about this aircraft. The market is huge for aircraft for special missions, charter, aerial mapping” and other utility missions.


The Kodiaks, rugged short takeoff and landing (Stol) aircraft, will be based at Badalin Airport, near Beijing, and initially used for emergency disaster assistance, said Liu Mingde, BGA’s director of sales. “The advantage of the Kodiak is its large payload, long range and fast speed, which makes it the best choice for emergency rescue and assistance,” said Liu.


The first aircraft will be delivered following its certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, expected this summer, with the second delivery to follow about six months later. The agreement also calls for Blue Eagle to provide BGA with aftermarket support, including maintenance, modification and training for the aircraft. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.


At the signing ceremony, Li told AIN he anticipates announcing an additional five sales to operators in Greater China next month.


Unique Applications


The 10-place utility-category Kodiak, powered by a single Pratt &amp; Whitney PT6A-34turbine engine, is designed for operations on unimproved fields in remote locations, and can operate on straight or amphibious floats without airframe modification. Additional mission capabilities include cargo transport, power line and pipeline patrol, agricultural operations such as crop dusting, aerial photography and aerial tours.


At its gross weight of 7,305 pounds (3,320 kg) at sea level in standard conditions, the Kodiak can take off in less than 1,000 feet and climb at more than 1,300 feet (396 meters) per minute. A Garmin G1000 integrated avionics suite with synthetic vision is standard equipment.


Although the aircraft was designed for work in rugged areas, it can also serve as executive transport. Last week at the Sun ’n Fun International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Florida, Quest announced certification of two enhanced interior options for the Kodiak, the Tundra and the Timberline, the latter intended for executive transport. The interior upgrades include replacement of Kydex panels with lighter composite material, increasing the useful load of the Kodiak, as well as enhanced soundproofing and a redesigned headliner giving the cabin a more spacious feeling.o

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

First China Delivery Set for Kodiak Bush Plane

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Sarah Rose

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Enhanced sound and 4K visuals added

Duncan Upgrades Falcon 900EX With New CMS System

Jessica Reed

Initial purchase of five terminals was announced at EBACE 2025

Falcon Charter Fleet Pioneers Gogo HDX in Middle East

Amy Wilder

Gogo CEO details STC progress, mixed-fleet compatibility, and Europe growth

Gogo Pushes Global Coverage with Galileo HDX Antenna

Matt Thurber

JetXP offers uncapped speed and new service enhancements

Viasat Improves Satcom Coverage in Middle East, South America

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Company's fleet, air charter, and sales activity rise

Global Jet Reports Growth across Divisions

System supports multiple input and output formats

Innovative Advantage Unveils New Signal Converter Box

Lightweight soft-case design tailored for bizjets

Aeromedic Unveils Regulation-compliant First Aid Kits

Charles Alcock

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

ABACE Convention News 2013

More In Cabin Interior and Electronics