This article is based on an official press release from Daher.

Daher Kodiak 900 Secures Brazilian Certification, Targeting Agribusiness Sector

Daher has announced that its Kodiak 900 utility turboprop has received airworthiness certification from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). Confirmed on December 11, 2025, this regulatory approval allows the French manufacturers to commence deliveries in one of the world’s largest general aviation markets.

The certification marks a significant expansion for Daher in South America. According to the company, the Kodiak 900 is positioned to serve Brazil’s robust agricultural, mining, and public safety sectors, offering a faster and larger complement to the existing Kodiak 100. To support this expansion, Daher recently established a new office in São Paulo, signaling a direct commitment to local support for its TBM and Kodiak fleets.

Strategic Expansion in Brazil

Brazil represents a critical environment for utility aircraft due to its vast territory and reliance on unpaved infrastructure. In its announcement, Daher noted that the certification enables the Kodiak 900 to operate across the country’s diverse landscape, from remote backcountry strips to developed urban centers.

Nicolas Chabbert, the CEO of Daher’s Aircraft Division, emphasized the strategic importance of this approval in a company statement:

“With Brazil’s airworthiness certification, the Kodiak 900 now joins our Kodiak 100 to meet the country’s full scope of transportation needs.”

The manufacturer has set ambitious growth targets for the region. With the introduction of the Kodiak 900, Daher aims to double its annual sales in Brazil, projecting an increase from approximately three units to six or seven units per year. This growth is expected to be driven by the agribusiness sector, which requires rugged aircraft capable of connecting remote farms with commercial hubs.

Technical Capabilities and Performance

The Kodiak 900 is designed as a “stretched” evolution of the Kodiak 100, bridging the gap between Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) bush planes and faster business turboprops. According to technical specifications released by Daher, the aircraft features a fuselage extension of 3.9 feet, resulting in a cabin volume of 309 cubic feet, approximately 20% larger than its predecessor.

Performance metrics highlighted by the manufacturer include:

• Engine: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-140A delivering 900 shaft horsepower (SHP).
• Speed: A cruise speed of 210 KTAS, making it roughly 36 knots faster than the Kodiak 100.
• Range: A maximum range of 1,129 nautical miles.
• Efficiency: A claimed 9% reduction in specific fuel consumption compared to competitors, burning approximately 58 gallons per hour.

Despite its increased size and speed, the aircraft retains the rugged characteristics necessary for Brazilian operations. Paulo Olenscki, Executive Director of Daher’s Brazilian operation, highlighted the aircraft’s landing gear design:

“Equipped with a robust fixed landing gear, the Kodiak 900 and Kodiak 100 are designed to operate from off-airport sites ranging from remote backcountry strips to grass and gravel runways.”

AirPro News Analysis

The entry of the Kodiak 900 into the Brazilian market places it in direct competition with the Cessna Grand Caravan EX, a dominant platform in the region. Our analysis suggests that Daher is positioning the Kodiak 900 as a premium alternative for owner-operators who prioritize speed over maximum bulk volume.

While the Cessna Caravan offers a slightly larger cabin volume (exceeding 340 cubic feet), the Kodiak 900’s 210 KTAS cruise speed offers a significant time-saving advantage over the Caravan’s ~185 KTAS. This speed differential is likely to appeal to corporate transport operators and wealthy agricultural owners who need to cover Brazil’s significant distances efficiently.

However, potential buyers should note a key operational distinction regarding water access. While the Kodiak 100 is a proven floatplane widely used in the Amazon river network, the Kodiak 900 is currently marketed primarily for land-based operations. Operators requiring amphibious capabilities for river landings may still find the Kodiak 100 or the Caravan to be the more immediate fit until float options for the 900 are standardized.

Sources

Sources: Daher Press Release