A Legacy of Meeting Market Demands.

Commuter Air Technology was founded in 1986 by aviation consultant Keith Nickels. While managing the sales department of Tiger Air, Keith sold piston-powered, twin-engine aircraft to the commuter aircraft market. Commuter airlines and Part 135 commercial operators expressed an urgent need for a more versatile and capable aircraft in the 13-15-passenger arena.

Regional commuter airline operators wanted a 13-15 passenger pressurized turbine aircraft with more speed, greater range, higher payload capacity and low operating costs. At that time, there was a definite void in aircraft available. There were smaller, underpowered piston-engine twins that were not pressurized, and then much larger, turbine-powered aircraft that were expensive to purchase and to operate. A sustainable aircraft that met the passenger and power requirements while maintaining the lowest operating costs simply did not exist. Keith developed such an aircraft, founding Commuter Air Technology in the process. In 1986 the Federal Aviation Administration awarded Commuter Air Technology a formal Supplemental Type Certificate for the new 13-passenger CATPASS 100 and, subsequently, the 13-passenger CATPASS 250.

An aviation pioneer was born.

We are proud to salute the contribution of Keith Nickels.