West Star Aviation Announces Expansion into Chattanooga (KCHA) Airport
Chattanooga, TN, August 17, 2015 – West Star Aviation (WSA) recently announced they will be opening an MRO facility at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (KCHA) in Chattanooga, TN. The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority is expected to approve this hangar space lease on August 17, 2015.
The facility has 20,424 square feet of (heated) hangar space with 28’ high doors. It also features 20,424 square feet of heated and air conditioned mixed-use space which will be used for administrative and customer offices. The facility will also house engineering, avionics, cabinetry and upholstery shop functions as well as accommodate storage of customer aircraft parts.
West Star’s newest location sits on a ground-lease footprint that is approximately 3.92 acres, or 170,798 square feet with ample ramp space for uncongested aircraft movement. An additional 15-acre site adjacent to the facility is slated for expansion as well. Operations will include all disciplines of MRO support such as paint facilities, maintenance hangars, back shop activities and an accessory shop.
“The aviation-friendly location and existing facilities will allow West Star to better serve East Coast corporate aviation flight departments,” said Rodger Renaud, Chief Operating Officer. “This expansion represents the initial steps in a larger five-year plan that calls for continued growth in the Chattanooga area.”
Additionally, West Star is starting the process of filling 175-225 positions and looks forward to utilizing the area’s richly trained technical workforce. To learn more about the openings visit http://www.weststaraviation.com/careers/.
“West Star is pleased to collaborate on the purchase of the hangar from Jones Management Services Company. The availability of the hangar will facilitate our MRO expansion, corporate aviation growth and local employment opportunities in Tennessee,” said Bob Rasberry, President and CEO, West Star Aviation.
Allan Jones, CEO of Jones Management Services, based in Cleveland, TN, said “Having a state-of-the-art repair facility like this in Chattanooga will bring many CEOs to the area to have their company jets worked on. Today’s announcement is going to have a tremendous benefit to the economic growth of our area.”
Voted #1 Preferred MRO in Professional Pilot magazine’s annual “Preferences Regarding Aviation Services and Equipment” (PRASE) Survey for two consecutive years, West Star Aviation, Inc. 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 Columbia, SC. West Star Aviation runs the maintenance operations at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in Aspen, CO, Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield, MO, and Chicago Executive Airport in Chicago, IL. The company also provides complete FBO services for transient aircraft at its newly remodeled East Alton and Grand Junction facilities. West Star Aviation, Inc. 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.
