West Star Aviation Expands Aircraft Maintenance Services to the Southwest

East Alton, IL, December 10, 2009 – West Star Aviation, Inc. is pleased to announce they have expanded aircraft maintenance services into the Southeast. West Star Aviation, Columbia, SC (KCAE) will be focused on airframe, engine and avionics services for business aircraft, beginning 1st quarter of 2010.

Initially, West Star Aviation will offer services for turbine aircraft below 12,500 lbs MGTO, including Citation 500, 525, 550, 560, and 650 series, Learjet 30 series, 40/45’s, 55’ and 60 series, Hawker 700 and 800 series, Falcon 10/100, and Falcon 20-5’s. The new facility is also an FAA certified 145 repair station.

West Star has appointed Bill Holecek as the Service Manager at the Columbia, SC facility. Holecek has extensive aircraft maintenance knowledge, and will lead the maintenance and repair organization in building a maintenance repair team to service aircraft operators based in the Southeast.

Once fully developed, the new facility is expected to add over 100 new jobs to the rapidly developing and growing South Carolina Aviation Industry.

“We look forward to supporting and stimulating growth and adding jobs to the area”, stated Michael L. Durst, West Star’s Executive Vice President. “Our investment will go beyond just facilities. It extends to the essence of our company: 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.”

West Star partnered with the Columbia Metropolitan Airport Authority, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Lexington County officials and the Central S.C. Alliance to bring its operations to the Columbia area.

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; and Dallas, TX, West Star Aviation has a Hiawatha, IA location that specializes in the acquisition and sales of surplus avionics and runs the maintenance operations at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in Aspen, CO. 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.