Nigel Moll

Quest Aircraft delivered a new Kodiak to the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism in Botswana, Africa, on September 19. The aircraft will be used by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks and was officially handed over during a ceremony in Gaborone, Botswana.

 


The Kodiak’s back-country capabilities make it well suited to the Department’s missions, and especially wildlife preservation. The department will operate the Kodiak for anti-poaching and law enforcement as well as other missions. With the recent ban on hunting, Botswana is known for its stance against poaching, and the Kodiak will be an integral part of enforcing the ban. The country is at the forefront of animal preservation efforts in Africa. Botswana has the highest elephant population on the continent, and also maintains a growing rhino sanctuary.

 


Representatives from the Quest factory and Quest’s dealer for Africa, SkyQuest Kodiak Sales Africa and partner CDC Aviation, presented the Kodiak’s keys to the Honourable Tshekedi Khama, Minister of the Environment, Wildlife and Tourism. Kodiaks are already in service throughout Africa conducting a variety of operations.

 


“Botswana has made an extraordinary commitment to wildlife preservation and anti-poaching efforts,” said Nick Newby, senior vice president of sales, marketing and customer service. “We are extremely proud that the Kodiak will be used for such an important mission.”

 


Also in September, Quest announced it received type certification for the Kodiak from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Republic of Chile. This adds to the aircraft’s approvals in Latin America, a list that includes Brazil and&nbsp;Mexico.

 


“We continue to see interest in the aircraft from a variety of markets in this region, and this certification will help our marketing efforts in Chile and the surrounding countries,” said Quest vice president of sales for the Americas John&nbsp;Hunt. Earlier this year, Quest named Santiago, Chile-based Aeroservicio as its authorized sales representative for the nation. “Aeroservicio’s relationships with customers have strengthened Quest’s presence in the region,” Hunt noted, “and Chilean certification will enhance its sales&nbsp;efforts.”

 


Aeroservicio CEO Willem-Jan Derks said that the Kodiak 100’s multi-mission capabilities, efficiency and low direct operating costs, as well as its STOL attributes, make the turboprop single “very attractive” for operators in Latin&nbsp;America.

 


Quest emphasizes that the Kodiak’s aluminum construction and Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop offer proven reliability. The airplane can land and take off from unimproved surfaces, and floats can be fitted without structural upgrades. At its max takeoff weight of 7,255 pounds, the Kodiak can take off in less than 1,000 feet and climb at 1,300 fpm. The 10-seat single is in service around the globe performing personal, business/corporate, Part 135, government and humanitarian operations. The Kodiak has received 23 certifications covering 33 countries, with more imminent.

 


Headquartered in Sandpoint, Idaho, Quest was established in 2001 and began deliveries of the Kodiak in December 2007.

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Quest Aircraft delivers new Kodiak to Botswana, Africa

Quest Aircraft delivered a Kodiak to the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism in Botswana, Africa

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