East Alton, IL– May 14, 2025– West Star Aviation is thrilled to announce that its West Star Aviation Academy (WSAA), a program dedicated to training and developing the next generation of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, has been awarded the prestigious Aviation Week Program Excellence Award for its innovative approach. This accolade was presented last night at the annual Defense Conference in Washington, D.C., where WSAA was celebrated among the top programs in the aerospace and defense industry.

The Aviation Week Program Excellence Awards honor teams and leaders who drive innovation, overcome challenges, and deliver exceptional results in the face of a changing landscape. The recognition of WSAA reflects the program’s dedication to addressing the Aircraft Maintenance Technician shortage while enhancing the skills and employability of its graduates.

Katie Johnson, Chief People Officer at West Star Aviation and the driving force behind WSAA, expressed her enthusiasm: “Winning the Aviation Week Program Excellence Award is an incredible achievement for our team and our graduates This award reaffirms our commitment to the community, our customers and the industry as we remove barriers to grow our workforce organically. We believe that by investing in our people through innovative education and training, we are not only improving our operations and the safety of flight but also empowering individuals to build successful careers in aviation.”

Since its inception in January 2024, WSAA has successfully graduated two cohorts, providing aspiring technicians with hands-on experience and an accelerated learning environment. The program’s unique model combines intensive classroom instruction with practical training, allowing students to focus on developing essential aviation skills while being employed full-time.

“This recognition will inspire us to continue our groundbreaking work in aviation education and workforce development,” Johnson added. “We are grateful to everyone involved in making this program a success, including our community partners and educational institutions. We also want to extend our sincere thanks to Aviation Week for the opportunity to be part of this prestigious awards ceremony and for showcasing so many other innovative companies that are driving our industry forward.”

With the spotlight on WSAA’s achievements, West Star Aviation remains dedicated to expanding its initiatives and cultivating the skills of the next generation of aviation professionals.

About West Star Aviation
With more than 78 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.