East Alton, IL, May 4, 2010 – West Star Aviation, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Lyon to lead their International Sales activities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. In this new role, Lyon will be responsible for selling West Star Aviation’s numerous airframe service capabilities to corporate aviation customers throughout the region. He will report to Rick Brainard, Vice President of Sales, at West Star Aviation’s Grand Junction, CO facility.
“Rich brings a wealth of international knowledge and experience to his new position,” said Brainerd. “He has over thirty years of European aviation experience, including twenty years with Garrett Aviation Services and General Electric Aircraft Engine Services. He has lived in France, Germany, and the Netherlands, holding management positions of increasing responsibility and conducting business daily in English, French, and German.”
A graduate of Western Michigan University, Rich earned a Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of San Diego, California, and a Masters in International Management from The American Graduate School of International Management in Glendale, Arizona. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force, holds an FAA private pilot certificate, and is an avid soaring pilot with US and UK glider pilot certificates.
Jim Swehla, Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing, added: “We’ve known Rich for many years and believe he will add an important and impressive new dimension to our presence internationally. Please stop by West Star Aviation’s stand at EBACE - Stand# 958 – to welcome Rich to West Star Aviation, meet our team, and learn more about what we have to offer our European, Middle Eastern, and African customers.”
West Star Aviation, Inc. specializes in airframe repair and maintenance, engine repair and maintenance, major modifications, avionics installation and repair, interior refurbishment, paint, parts, surplus avionics sales, and accessory services. In addition to its facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; Columbia, SC; Aspen, CO and Dallas, TX, West Star has a Hiawatha, IA location that specializes in the acquisition and sales of surplus avionics. 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 and provides world-class customer services in all of the organization’s divisions. For additional information visit www.weststaraviation.com or call 800-922-2421.
