Premier Air Center, of East Alton, IL (ALN), was founded in 1947, originally as Walston Aviation. After an ownership change in 1987, the name was changed to Premier Air Center. Since then, the company has built a solid reputation for strong technical expertise and personalized customer service for maintenance and refurbishment of corporate aircraft. Similarly, West Star Aviation’s roots extend back to 1952 when the original company, Monarch Aviation, was founded at Walker Field, (GJT) Grand Junction, CO. On May 1, 1987, the Buescher Family of Grand Junction acquired Monarch Aviation and began the transformation of the company from an aviation sales and service business to a top-rated business aircraft maintenance and refurbishment facility.
On December 31, 2004 the principals of Premier Air Center acquired West Star Aviation’s Grand Junction, Colorado facility, combining two of the industry’s top, full-service MRO facilities. Continuing with a pattern of planned, aggressive growth, the company established operations at Chattanooga, TN (CHA) in 2015, expanding full-service options throughout the United States.
In 2017, West Star Aviation acquired Avant Aerospace, Dallas Aeronautical Services, LLC (DAS) and MSP Aero, which strategically enhanced the company’s capabilities and resources in parts, composite and assembly MRO as well as strengthening satellite maintenance locations. In 2018 West Star Aviation continued this direction and acquired FLITE Components and added its fourth full service MRO at Perryville, MO. West Star Aviation LLC, Avant Aerospace LLC, Dallas Aeronautical Services, LLC (DAS), and FLITE Components, LLC as owned subsidiaries of West Star Aviation Holdings, LLC.
MSP and FLITE have since been integrated into other areas of operation within West Star Aviation, however DAS continues to operate under their unique brand while offering West Star Aviation customers their products and capabilities. Avant Aerospace was combined with Jet Parts, which West Star Aviation Holding LLC acquired in 2023.
Our most recent acquisition in late 2023, West Star Aviation Holdings LLC acquired Jet East Aviation, resulting in one of the largest independent MRO companies in the world.
The investment goes far beyond just facilities. It extends to the essence of these companies – the people. You will not find a more engaged, technically knowledgeable, proficient and personable group of professionals at any other maintenance provider anywhere in the world. The present-day West Star Aviation represents the blending of these industry renowned aviation service companies and the focus to build on and improve the synergies that resulted from the acquisition. Strong technical expertise, experienced employees, attention to detail, along with a constant focus on customer service and satisfaction, remain the staples of the West Star Aviation philosophy. For more information call 800-922-2421.
With over 78 years of industry experience, West Star Aviation stands as a leading independent Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) provider. Employing over 3,000 professionals, we offer comprehensive services from our strategically located full-service facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; Chattanooga, TN; Millville, NJ; Perryville, Missouri; and Statesville, NC, as well as satellite locations in Denver, Houston, Minneapolis, and Chicago. Our 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.
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).
Before applying, please be aware of the standards of conduct for employment with West Star along with the strict requirements below while attending WSAA.