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West Star Aviation Celebrates a Major Milestone: 175 Starlink Installations

East Alton, IL—January 9, 2026—We are excited to share an incredible achievement: West Star Aviation has successfully completed our 175th installation of Starlink systems. This milestone represents our commitment to providing advanced connectivity solutions in the aviation industry and enhancing the flying experience for our valued customers.

Reaching 175 Starlink installations highlights our commitment to innovation and service excellence. In an era where reliable internet connectivity is crucial, Starlink is revolutionizing the experience of business aviation. Whether crossing vast oceans or operating in remote areas, our customers benefit from high-speed, low-latency internet, empowering them to remain connected and productive during flight.

This advancement in connectivity aligns perfectly with the demands of modern business aviation, providing a seamless in-flight experience tailored to the sophisticated needs of our clientele. By choosing West Star Aviation, you’re not just upgrading your connectivity; you’re enhancing your entire operational capability in the air.

Furthermore, installations can be done across the entire West Star Aviation network at any of our locations, ensuring accessibility and convenience for our clients.

“Reaching this milestone is a proud moment for our team and for each operator we’ve supported,” said Marty Rhine, Chief Sales Officer at West Star Aviation. “It’s rewarding to know we’ve contributed to enhancing the in-flight experience of 175 aircraft. Our partnership with Starlink empowers us to meet the growing demand for connectivity that our customers expect and deserve.”

This accomplishment underscores the increasing need for seamless internet for operational efficiency and an improved passenger experience. Our team is dedicated to providing tailored installation options, whether it’s a straightforward upgrade or a more comprehensive modification, ensuring that every customer feels supported throughout the process.

We invite aircraft operators looking to elevate their connectivity to join the growing number of satisfied customers enjoying the benefits of Starlink. Connect with your local regional sales manager or avionics technical sales manager today to discover how we can enhance your aircraft’s connectivity.

Let’s celebrate this achievement together as we continue to lead the way in aviation innovation and connectivity solutions. Thank you for being a part of our journey.

About West Star Aviation
With more than 79 years of industry experience, West Star Aviation stands as a leading independent Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) provider. Employing over 3,000 professionals, West Star offers comprehensive services from our strategically located full-service facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; Chattanooga, TN; Millville, NJ; Perryville, MO; and Statesville, NC, as well as satellite locations in Denver, Houston, Minneapolis, and Chicago. The company’s extensive capabilities encompass maintenance, paint, interior, and avionics services, supported by the largest Aircraft On Ground (AOG) network in the country, ensuring prompt and reliable mobile repair services nationwide.

For Media Inquiries, Please Contact:

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Chief Marketing Officer

Mark White

RSM, California

Dave Godo

RSM, Ohio Valley

Mark Daniels
Tim Cane
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RSM, Mid Atlantic

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RSM, Latin America

Steve Fleeman

RSM, Landing Gear

Contact Us

WSAA will be piloted at the East Alton, IL facility with the first round of apprentices anticipated to start in August 2024. For more information on West Star Aviation employment or WSAA apprentice selection criteria, please visit www.weststaraviation.com/wsaa-academy or contact Katie Johnson (katiejohnson@wsa.aero) or Dave Lagermann (dlagermann@wsa.aero).

Application & Selection Process

Before applying, please be aware of the standards of conduct for employment with West Star along with the strict requirements below while attending WSAA.

  • Working in Aviation requires a commit to being drug-free.  Pre-employment drug testing along with random and reasonable suspicion testing is required for all companies employing people working in safety sensitive positions. The position you are considering applying for is safety sensitive.  If hired, you must pass a DOT drug test to start working, if you fail the job offer is rescinded.  If you pass, you must remain drug-free during employment, failing a random or reasonable suspicion test may result in termination of employment.  Please note: marijuana is legal in certain states however the FAA follows Federal law where marijuana is illegal.  This means testing positive for marijuana, or any other illegal drug, will prevent you from working in Aviation. 
  • The first 7.5 months will follow a strict schedule: Monday – Friday 7:00am – 3:30pm (breaks and meal periods provided). 
  • The expectation is to arrive inside the learning center and clocked in at 7:00am.
  • While attending WSAA, no more than 4 hours a week can be missed.  Extenuating medical circumstances will be given full consideration with supporting documentation.
  • WSAA follows an FAA approved curriculum which has certain requirements including attendance. 
  • Testing for the FAA license at the conclusion of WSAA is required, along with passing.  Two opportunities to test will be provided, if needed.  Employment may terminate if the FAA license is not obtained.
  • Candidates will be contacted to complete pre-screening assessments and questionnaires. 
  • Qualified candidates will be contacted in late November and scheduled for a tour and interview with Hiring Managers at West Star Aviation in East Alton, IL.
  • To be qualified, candidates must pass the pre-screening process along with submitting a negative DOT drug test result.
  • Finalists will be selected after onsite interviews. Job offers will be extended in mid-December with a start date of January 9, 2024.
  • Pay while learning in the Academy will be $20 per hour.  Upon successfully graduating and obtaining your FAA license, pay will increase to $27 per hour.