West Star Aviation Ramps Up For Fourth Full-Service Facility at Perryville Regional Airport (KPCD)

July 12, 2018 – West Star Aviation is pleased to announce that it has acquired hangars at Perryville Regional Airport, (KPCD) in Perryville, MO, and will quickly bring capabilities online as its fourth full-service maintenance facility.

The company closed on its fourth hangar on the airport in late June, expanding their KPCD footprint to over 120,000 sq. ft. in hangar and office space. West Star’s largest hangar at its Perryville location can accommodate multiple large–sized corporate aircraft.

In the coming months, West Star will be adding employees and capabilities as they continue to develop this location to its fourth full-service MRO. West Star currently occupies four hangar facilities at the airport, which includes a 28,800 sq. ft. state-of-the-art paint facility with a downdraft filtration system. This paint facility also has the capacity for largesized corporate aircraft. Most recently, the company has promoted Kyle French to General Manager to oversee all of Perryville’s operations.

“We are thrilled to continue our expansion and have Perryville as our fourth full-service location. This location will provide additional centralized maintenance options for our customers all over the world,” said Jeff Curry, Vice President of Operational Efficiency, West Star Aviation.

“I am excited to play an integral part in West Star’s planned expansion and look forward to bringing the West Star mix of experience and capability to our customers at KCPD,” said Kyle French, General Manager, West Star Aviation.

Voted #1 Preferred MRO for five consecutive years from 2014-2018 in Professional Pilot Magazine’s annual “Preferences Regarding Aviation Services and Equipment” (PRASE) Survey, West Star Aviation specializes in the repair and maintenance of airframes, windows, and engines, as well as major modifications, avionics installation and repair, interior refurbishment, surplus avionics sales, accessory services, paint and parts.

In addition to its facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; and Chattanooga, TN, West Star Aviation runs maintenance operations at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in Aspen, CO; Chicago Executive Airport in Chicago, IL; Centennial Airport in Denver, CO and Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport in Houston, TX. The company also provides complete FBO services for transient aircraft at its newly remodeled East Alton and Grand Junction facilities. West Star Aviation is an industry leader in technical experience and expertise while providing world-class customer services in all the organization’s divisions. For more information visit www.weststaraviation.com or call 800-922-2421.

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West Star Perryville Full-service Facility 7.12.18

Source: MAI Press

MEKCO Group has Entered into a Strategic Partnership with Donica, Inc.

Miami, FL, June 26, 2018 — MEKCO Group is pleased to announce the company has entered into a strategic partnership with Donica, Inc. as their dealer and authorized repair facility for In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity (IFEC) equipment sales & repairs.

The partnership allows MEKCO to provide repair management, installations and distribution of Donica’s product line including “plug & play” products (DMR, PRAM, QACVR) which are a replacement solution for legacy aircraft. These products increase output quality, storage of memory, potentially lower maintenance costs, lighter weight and longer in-service time.

“This agreement is a crucial step forward for our team. It allows us to simply insert new equipment without a costly aircraft modification for our customers. We always try and provide our customers affordable, scalable, and up to date products which they will enjoy, and provide low-cost carriers some leveling with major airlines, ” said Bill Utset, President & CEO of MEKCO Group.

MEKCO Group’s current capabilities will expand with this partnership to include installation and repair of W6000, and Smart LCD units. Additionally, MEKCO performs IFE & IFEC repairs, in-cabin electronics & electromechanical repairs, as well as in-cabin interiors repair such as plastics, composites and panel adjustments.

MEKCO Group, Inc., a Miami, Florida based company was established in 2008 as an FAA & EASA repair facility, which specializes in the maintenance, repair & overhaul of in-flight entertainment & connectivity, cabin and galley equipment. The company is a leading cabin solutions provider to the global market offering cabin maintenance and installation for WiFi, IFEC, Electronics, and Electro Mechanical solutions. In addition to cabin solutions, MEKCO provides exterior lighting solutions, parts inventory for purchase and exchange. For more information visit www.mekcogroup.com or call 305.592.8807.

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Donica Partnership PR 6.26.18

Source: MAI Press

WEST STAR AVIATION Voted #1 in Professional Pilot Magazine’s 2018 PRASE Survey for Fifth Consecutive Year

May 10, 2018 – West Star Aviation is proud to announce the company has been voted #1 Preferred Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) in the 2018 Professional Pilot Magazine’s Annual Preference Regarding Aviation Services and Equipment (PRASE) survey for five consecutive years. The publication began including the category “Best MRO” in 2014 and West Star has been voted #1 every year from 2014-2018.

Professional Pilot magazine is a staple in the business aviation industry and has nationwide coverage reaching over 22,000 readers worldwide. The publication provides feature information, editorial and industry news to pilots and corporate aviation professionals. The PRASE survey is an interactive reader to editor conducted survey on an annual basis by Professional Pilot magazine in which industry professionals, pilots, and aircraft maintenance professionals vote based on their experience, performance, quality and company knowledge in a wide range of categories.

“I cannot emphasize how thankful we are that we were voted #1 MRO provider for the fifth year by the readers who took the PRASE survey. These are customers and industry professionals who vote, and we are thrilled that our heritage of world-class service continues to shine,” said Debi Cunningham, Vice President of Marketing,  West Star Aviation. “We strive on a daily basis to provide excellent service and we hold these titles with honor at our company,” Cunningham continued.

Voted #1 Preferred MRO for five consecutive years from 2014-2018 in Professional Pilot Magazine’s annual “Preferences Regarding Aviation Services and Equipment” (PRASE) Survey, West Star Aviation specializes in the repair and maintenance of airframes, windows, and engines, as well as major modifications, avionics installation and repair, interior refurbishment, surplus avionics sales, accessory services, paint and parts.

In addition to its facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; and Chattanooga, TN, West Star Aviation runs maintenance operations at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in Aspen, CO; Chicago Executive Airport in Chicago, IL; Centennial Airport in Denver, CO and Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport in Houston, TX. The company also provides complete FBO services for transient aircraft at its newly remodeled East Alton and Grand Junction facilities. West Star Aviation is an industry leader in technical experience and expertise while providing world-class customer services in all the organization’s divisions. For more information visit www.weststaraviation.com or call 800-922-2421.

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PRASE winner 5x 5.10.18

Source: MAI Press

West Star Aviation Announces Michael Zeris Gulfstream Technical Sales Manager

January 23, 2018 – West Star Aviation is pleased to announce Michael Zeris as Gulfstream Technical Sales Manager at its East Alton, IL (ALN) location.

Michael has 17 years of aviation experience, 13 of which were spent working with the Gulfstream product line. His aviation career began while serving in the United States Navy as an Aircraft Technician during Operation Iraqi Enduring Freedom. While serving in the Navy, Michael graduated from Florida Jacksonville College’s Aviation Maintenance program and became a licensed A&P technician.

Michael’s career in business aviation began when he worked at Midcoast/Jet Aviation as a Gulfstream technician and crew chief, as well as a technical sales associate. Michael joined West Star Aviation in 2015 working with the Gulfstream team as maintenance lead. He led the first GV 16C/192-month inspection to be performed outside of an OEM facility, and most recently led a GIV wing de-mate and separation project that resulted in a zero defect test flight.

“We are very happy to have Michael as part of our staff at West Star. He has grown tremendously over the last two years and his appointment to TSM is a natural progression of his success within West Star,” said Marty Rhine, Director of Sales, West Star Aviation. “Michael knows the ins and outs of a Gulfstream aircraft and can bring a maintenance mindset to the sales side of business,” Rhine continued.

Voted #1 Preferred MRO in the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 Professional Pilot magazine annual “Preferences Regarding Aviation Services and Equipment” (PRASE) Survey, West Star Aviation specializes in the repair and maintenance of airframes, windows, and engines, as well as major modifications, avionics installation and repair, interior refurbishment, surplus avionics sales, accessory services, paint and parts.

In addition to its facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; and Chattanooga, TN, West Star Aviation runs maintenance operations at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in Aspen, CO; Chicago Executive Airport in Chicago, IL; Centennial Airport in Denver, CO and Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport in Houston, TX. The company also provides complete FBO services for transient aircraft at its newly remodeled East Alton and Grand Junction facilities. West Star Aviation is an industry leader in technical experience and expertise while providing world-class customer services in all the organization’s divisions. For more information visit www.weststaraviation.com or call 800-922-2421.

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Michael Zeris TSM_1.23.18

Source: MAI Press

West Star Aviation Announces the In-house Application of Top Flight Supplies Titanium Paint Protection System for Aircraft at ALN & GJT

January 18, 2018 –West Star Aviation is pleased to announce the company will now offer Top Flight Supplies (TFS) Titanium Paint Protection in-house at their East Alton, ALN and Grand Junction, CO facilities.

The TFS Titanium Paint Protection is a two-part process that prolongs longevity of an aircraft paint job. The paint sealant bonds with the painted surface by fusing the paint pores and can even improve fuel efficiency by providing a slicker surface reducing overall drag.

“We are pleased to offer the TFS Titanium Paint Protection to our clients. We have seen great success with this application and it really makes the paint jobs shine,” said Jeremy Ficklin, Aircraft Service Manager, West Star Aviation.

This paint service is available at either of West Star’s state-of-the-art-facilities in East Alton, ALN, and Grand Junction, CO. Downtime varies from 2-4 days depending on size of aircraft.

Voted #1 Preferred MRO in the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 Professional Pilot magazine annual “Preferences Regarding Aviation Services and Equipment” (PRASE) Survey, West Star Aviation specializes in the repair and maintenance of airframes, windows, and engines, as well as major modifications, avionics installation and repair, interior refurbishment, surplus avionics sales, accessory services, paint and parts.

In addition to its facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; and Chattanooga, TN, West Star Aviation runs maintenance operations at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in Aspen, CO; Chicago Executive Airport in Chicago, IL; Centennial Airport in Denver, CO and Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport in Houston, TX. The company also provides complete FBO services for transient aircraft at its newly remodeled East Alton and Grand Junction facilities. West Star Aviation is an industry leader in technical experience and expertise while providing world-class customer services in all the organization’s divisions. For more information visit www.weststaraviation.com or call 800-922-2421.

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TFS Paint Protectant_1.18.18

Source: MAI Press

West Star Aviation’s Matt Neisler Wins 40 Under 40 Next Gen Award from AMT Magazine

December 12, 2017- West Star Aviation is pleased to announce Matt Neisler, their Hawker Beechcraft Lead, has been awarded the 40 Under 40 Next Gen award from Aircraft Maintenance Technology (AMT) Magazine.

This award program was developed by AMT three years ago to encourage, educate and promote the industry to the younger generation by spotlighting industry professionals under 40.

Matt graduated from South Georgia Technical College with his Airframe and Power Plant rating. While in A&P school, he received training in aircraft maintenance at TIMCO Aviation. His hands-on experience at TIMCO and A&P classes provided him with advanced maintenance training and familiarization on Hawker 800XP, 850XP, 900XP and Pro-line 21 maintenance initial with Run and Taxi.

After graduation, Matt began his career with West Star Aviation as a mechanic, following two years of hands-on experience and adapting to West Star’s world-class service standards, Matt was promoted to team lead at their state-of-the-art facility in Chattanooga.

“I nominated Matt for this award because he has a passion for aviation and always takes the time to mentor a less experienced mechanic and he exudes the world-class service mentality that we pride ourselves on at West Star. He has a continued desire to learn and grow in the industry,” said Thomas Hilboldt, general manager, West Star Aviation.

Voted #1 Preferred MRO in the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 Professional Pilot magazine annual “Preferences Regarding Aviation Services and Equipment” (PRASE) Survey for four consecutive years, West Star Aviation specializes in the repair and maintenance of airframes, windows, and engines, as well as major modifications, avionics installation and repair, interior refurbishment, surplus avionics sales, accessory services, paint and parts.

In addition to its facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; and Chattanooga, TN, West Star Aviation runs maintenance operations at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in Aspen, CO; Chicago Executive Airport in Chicago, IL; Centennial Airport in Denver, CO and Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport in Houston, TX. The company also provides complete FBO services for transient aircraft at its newly remodeled East Alton and Grand Junction facilities. West Star Aviation is an industry leader in technical experience and expertise while providing world-class customer services in all the organization’s divisions. For more information visit www.weststaraviation.com or call 800-922-2421.

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40 under 40 Matt Neisler PR_12.12.17

Source: MAI Press