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West Star Aviation Acquires DCJet, Expanding Nationwide AOG Response and Maintenance Support

East Alton, IL – March 3, 2026, West Star Aviation, a leading provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for business aviation, today announced it has completed the acquisition of DCJet. The addition of DCJet strengthens West Star’s nationwide service footprint and enhances the company’s ability to deliver rapid, coordinated Aircraft on Ground (AOG) support across the United States.

DCJet is recognized in business aviation for responsive field maintenance and AOG expertise, along with a customer-first culture built on teamwork and technical excellence. West Star Aviation pursued the acquisition to build on those strengths by bringing together two organizations shared commitment to customer success, driven by expert technicians, collaborative teamwork, integrity, and operational excellence.

With this acquisition, West Star Aviation significantly expands its already established AOG network, one of the largest in the industry, growing from more than 200 technicians to over 250 AOG-ready experts positioned to respond 24/7/365 nationwide. This expanded bench and broader geographic coverage are designed to help operators minimize downtime when an aircraft needs maintenance support away from home base. In addition to AOG support, DCJet currently operates from five locations: Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Dulles, Virginia; Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) in Chicago, Illinois; Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Orlando, Florida; Boeing Field (BFI) in Seattle, Washington; and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“DCJet has earned a strong reputation for how they show up for customers, quickly, professionally, and with deep technical capability,” said Stephen Maiden, CEO of West Star Aviation . “Their culture and approach fit naturally with ours. Together, we are strengthening our ability to support business aviation operators nationwide with faster response, greater coordination, and even more technical depth in the field.”

“This is an exciting step for our team and our customers,” said Joe Ortiz, President and Founder of DCJet . “By joining West Star Aviation, we gain additional scale and resources while staying focused on what has always defined DCJet: taking care of the customer, working as a team, and delivering solutions where and when they are needed most.”

Our West Star Aviation Control Center, the dispatch and customer-facing hub that already supports AOG operator’s needs, will benefit from the DCJet acquisition through an expanded technician pool. The additional technicians will enhance coverage, shorten response times, and provide even more robust 24/7/365 AOG support. The Control Center remains staffed to prioritize every AOG situation and to coordinate fast, effective dispatch now with greater depth of field expertise and greater geographic reach to serve customers across the United States. Our AOG line remains available at 215.937.9020, and support can be directed to aog@wsa.aero .

West Star Aviation expects a thoughtful, measured integration approach, with an emphasis on maintaining continuity of service and preserving the people focused culture that made DCJet a strong fit. In the near term, the priority remains unchanged: deliver reliable, high-quality support and get customers back in the air as quickly as possible.

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.

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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.