Twin Otter Series 400 vs Kodiak 900
The Kodiak 900 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
The De Havilland Canada Twin Otter Series 400 (introduced 2010) and the Daher Kodiak Kodiak 900 (introduced 2023) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are utility, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Twin Otter Series 400 carries more passengers. undefined
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Twin Otter Series 400 vs Kodiak 900: the key differences
- The Kodiak 900 delivers 50% more range (Twin Otter Series 400: 920 nm; Kodiak 900: 1,380 nm).
- The Kodiak 900 delivers 18% more cruise speed (Twin Otter Series 400: 182 kt; Kodiak 900: 214 kt).
- The Twin Otter Series 400 delivers 90% more passenger capacity (Twin Otter Series 400: 19 seats; Kodiak 900: 10 seats).
- The Kodiak 900 is the newer design (introduced 2023 versus 2010 for the Twin Otter Series 400), a gap of 13 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Twin Otter Series 400 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (12,500 lbs versus 8,500 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the Twin Otter Series 400 runs 2 engines against 1 on the Kodiak 900 — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The Kodiak 900 is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,380 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The Twin Otter Series 400, at 920 nm, is better matched to short-haul and regional hops, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the Twin Otter Series 400's range, the Kodiak 900's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Kodiak 900 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Twin Otter Series 400 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Kodiak 900 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
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Twin Otter Series 400 vs Kodiak 900: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Twin Otter Series 400 or the Kodiak 900?
The Kodiak 900 has the longer published range — 1,380 nm versus 920 nm for the Twin Otter Series 400.
Does the Twin Otter Series 400 or Kodiak 900 seat more passengers?
The Twin Otter Series 400 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 19 seats, compared with 10 on the Kodiak 900.
Which is faster, the Twin Otter Series 400 or the Kodiak 900?
The Kodiak 900 cruises faster, at 214 kt versus 182 kt for the Twin Otter Series 400.
Which is newer, the Twin Otter Series 400 or the Kodiak 900?
The Kodiak 900 is the newer design, introduced in 2023 versus 2010 for the Twin Otter Series 400.
Is the Twin Otter Series 400 or the Kodiak 900 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Twin Otter Series 400 is the larger aircraft — 12,500 lbs versus 8,500 lbs for the Kodiak 900.
Should I buy the Twin Otter Series 400 or the Kodiak 900?
Choose the Kodiak 900 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Twin Otter Series 400 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Kodiak 900 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the Twin Otter Series 400 vs Kodiak 900?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.