Quest Aircraft has secured Chilean certification for its Kodiak single-engined turboprop, paving the way for the US airframer to begin deliveries of the high-wing, all-metal type to the Latin American country.

The approval brings to 33 the number of countries that have validated the Kodiak, including another six in Latin America: Brazil, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela.

John Hunt, vice-president of sales for north, south and central America, says Quest “continues to see interest in the aircraft from a variety of market segments in this region of the world”. These include charter, commercial, cargo and air ambulance providers, he adds.

“This latest certification will help our marketing efforts in Chile and the surrounding countries,” Hunt says. The company has a small fleet of seven Kodiaks in the region.

Earlier this year, Quest appointed Santiago-based Aeroservicio as its authorised sales representative for the 10-seat aircraft. “Aeroservicio’s strong relationships with customers have definitely strengthened Quest’s presence in the region,” Hunt says. “havin Chilean certification will enhance their sales efforts.”

Flight Fleets Analyzer records a global fleet of nearly 190 Kodiaks. Sixteen were shipped by the Sandpoint, Idaho-based company in the first six months of 2016.

Quest says global demand for its short take-off and landing aircraft remains strong. The company plans to deliver a record 39 turboprops this year, 52 in 2017 and 60 aircraft annually thereafter.