GA8 Airvan vs Kodiak 100
The Kodiak 100 leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the GippsAero GA8 Airvan (introduced 2000) against the Daher Kodiak Kodiak 100 (introduced 2007) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are utility, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the Kodiak 100 has the advantage. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
GA8 Airvan vs Kodiak 100: the key differences
- The Kodiak 100 delivers 55% more range (GA8 Airvan: 730 nm; Kodiak 100: 1,132 nm).
- The Kodiak 100 delivers 53% more cruise speed (GA8 Airvan: 120 kt; Kodiak 100: 183 kt).
- The Kodiak 100 delivers 25% more passenger capacity (GA8 Airvan: 8 seats; Kodiak 100: 10 seats).
- The Kodiak 100 is the newer design (introduced 2007 versus 2000 for the GA8 Airvan), a gap of 7 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Kodiak 100 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (7,255 lbs versus 4,000 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The Kodiak 100 is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,132 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The GA8 Airvan, at 730 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 GA8 Airvan's range, the Kodiak 100's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Kodiak 100 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The GA8 Airvan can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
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GA8 Airvan vs Kodiak 100: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the GA8 Airvan or the Kodiak 100?
The Kodiak 100 has the longer published range — 1,132 nm versus 730 nm for the GA8 Airvan.
Does the GA8 Airvan or Kodiak 100 seat more passengers?
The Kodiak 100 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 10 seats, compared with 8 on the GA8 Airvan.
Which is faster, the GA8 Airvan or the Kodiak 100?
The Kodiak 100 cruises faster, at 183 kt versus 120 kt for the GA8 Airvan.
Which is newer, the GA8 Airvan or the Kodiak 100?
The Kodiak 100 is the newer design, introduced in 2007 versus 2000 for the GA8 Airvan.
Is the GA8 Airvan or the Kodiak 100 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Kodiak 100 is the larger aircraft — 7,255 lbs versus 4,000 lbs for the GA8 Airvan.
Should I buy the GA8 Airvan or the Kodiak 100?
On published specifications the Kodiak 100 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The GA8 Airvan can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the GA8 Airvan vs Kodiak 100?
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.