WESTERN AIRCRAFT RENEWS TOP SAFETY, QUALITY CERTIFICATIONS

Western Aircraft, a Greenwich AeroGroup company, recently passed renewal audits for both its AS9110C and OSHA SHARP certifications, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in aviation maintenance and workplace safety.

The dual recertifications reflect Western Aircraft’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence and employee well-being. The company originally earned AS9110C certification in 2013 and has maintained it through rigorous, recurring audits. The standard is specifically designed for aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) organizations and is widely recognized for its strict quality management requirements.

Additionally, Western Aircraft continues to hold the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) certification, which it first received in 2006. SHARP is one of the highest safety distinctions OSHA awards small businesses, recognizing exemplary safety and health programs. Western Aircraft is one of only six companies in Idaho currently holding SHARP status.

“These certifications aren’t easy to achieve, or to keep,” said Jody Harris, Western Aircraft’s director of operations logistics. “Passing both audits again speaks to the professionalism of our team and the culture we’ve built here. Safety, quality and consistency are at the heart of everything we do.”

Western Aircraft’s long-standing participation in both programs reflects a proactive, team-driven approach to continuous improvement. The company credits its employees for leading high performance across the board, from maintenance procedures to on-the-ground safety practices.

“Being AS9110C and SHARP certified sends a clear message to our customers and our community,” Harris added. “It means we don’t just meet the standard; we raise it.”

WESTERN AIRCRAFT ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF KINDRA MAHLER AS MARKETING MANAGER

Western Aircraft, a subsidiary of Greenwich AeroGroup, has announced the appointment of Kindra Mahler as marketing manager for its aircraft sales, aircraft management and charter divisions, led by Vice President Phil Winters.

Mahler brings 17 years of aviation industry experience to Western Aircraft. She joins the company from Fargo Jet Center in Fargo, North Dakota, where she advanced aviation marketing initiatives while contributing operational insight through years of involvement in charter flight operations. Her expertise includes branding and design management, integrated campaigns, event strategy, social media management, communications and client engagement, all designed to drive growth across the business aviation sector.

“Kindra brings a long history of aligning marketing with operational goals in the aviation industry,” Winters said. “Her background in aviation marketing will strengthen our efforts to expand reach, drive new opportunities, and deliver value to our customers.”

“I am excited to join Western Aircraft and focus on strategies that increase visibility, support sales growth, and expand market presence,” Mahler said. “It’s a privilege to be part of a team with such a strong reputation for excellence in aircraft transactions, operations, and customer service.”

With Mahler’s appointment, Western Aircraft continues to invest in the growth of its aircraft sales, aircraft management and charter business. The company remains committed to delivering innovative solutions, deepening customer relationships, and supporting growth across its full range of aviation offerings.

WESTERN AIRCRAFT ANNOUNCES KEY ADDITIONS AND ROLE CHANGES

Western Aircraft, a Greenwich AeroGroup company, recently announced several new appointments and role changes within its team.

David Harsay has joined Western Aircraft as regional sales manager, supporting the MRO sales and marketing team. Harsay has accumulated over 20 years of experience in aviation sales, including 12 years at Dassault Falcon Jet and earlier roles at Cutter Aviation, Gulfstream, and Bombardier. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, he will oversee Falcon and Gulfstream MRO sales in Southern California (except San Diego County), Nevada, and Texas.

Brock Marshall has joined Western Aircraft as regional sales manager for Pilatus PC-12 and Beechcraft King Air aircraft. He possesses more than 20 years of aviation maintenance and operations experience and most recently has been serving as director of maintenance for DriveTime/Carvana. His background includes positions with Duncan Aviation, Jet Now Executive Charter, Executive Aircraft Maintenance, and Cutter Aviation. Marshall holds an FAA A&P license and multiple manufacturer maintenance certifications.

Shannon Edick has transitioned from regional sales manager to maintenance program coordinator for Pilatus PC-24 and Piper aircraft. Edick joined Western Aircraft in 2015 and has held roles as work order coordinator, planner, MRO quoter, and Pilatus maintenance sales manager.

Matthew Rainier has been promoted to Gulfstream service manager at Western Aircraft. He previously held the position of assistant chief inspector with Western. Rainier has more than 20 years of aviation maintenance experience, including 10 years specializing in Gulfstream aircraft. His career includes leadership positions at Gulfstream Aerospace, SpaceX, Embraer, Alsalam Aerospace, and service in the U.S. Air Force and Florida Air National Guard. He holds an FAA A&P license and is completing a master’s degree in project management from Keller Graduate School of Management.

Chris Duncan has joined Western Aircraft as interior modification manager. He has 17 years of aviation industry experience, including management roles at Signature TechnicAir and HAECO Americas, and interior completions experience at Dassault Falcon Jet. Duncan’s background covers commercial, commuter, cargo, and business jet aircraft interior refurbishment, paint, and completions.

Collins Aerospace Appoints Western Aircraft as an Authorized De-icing Service Center

Western Aircraft, a premier provider of aviation services and a subsidiary of Greenwich AeroGroup has been appointed as an Authorized Goodrich De-icing Service Center by Collins Aerospace, an RTX business. This designation enables Western Aircraft to offer installation, maintenance, and support for Collins Aerospace’s state-of-the-art de-icing solutions.

“We are honored to be named an Authorized Goodrich De-icing Service Center by Collins Aerospace,” said John Kochel, director of parts and logistics at Western Aircraft.“This designation reflects our dedication to providing unparalleled service and support to our customers. By joining Collins Aerospace’s expanding network of service providers, we can offer enhanced ice protection solutions that ensure safety and performance during challenging weather conditions.”

The Goodrich line of de-icing systems from Collins Aerospace has set the standard for reliability and innovation in ice protection. These products are essential for the safe and efficient operation of aircraft in icing conditions, enabling operators to maintain performance and protect their investment in high-performance aviation equipment.

Western Aircraft maintains a substantial customer base from the United States and Canada and boasts an extensive history of working on diverse types of airframes including Citation, Embraer, Falcon, Gulfstream, King Air, Pilatus, Piper and Kodiak aircraft.

Western Aircraft Surpasses $2 Billion in Aircraft Sales

Western Aircraft, a subsidiary of Greenwich AeroGroup, celebrated a significant achievement in late December as its aircraft sales team surpassed $2 billion in total sales. This accomplishment underscores the company's success since becoming a Pilatus dealer in 1996.

“All of us at Pilatus Aircraft are proud of the Western Aircraft sales team’s achievement of this major milestone,” said Tom Aniello, vice president of marketing for Pilatus Business Aircraft. “Since joining the Pilatus Authorized Sales and Service network in 1996, Western Aircraft has perennially been one of the top dealers in the world for PC-12 and PC-24 business aircraft. They have established strong relationships supporting our mutual customers and do an outstanding job representing the high standards of the Pilatus brand in the northwestern United States.”

In addition to Pilatus aircraft, the Piper product line has been another significant contributor to the achievement. Western Aircraft is also an authorized sales and service center for Piper.

“We are thrilled for Western Aircraft as they achieve this incredible sales milestone,” said Ron Gunnarson, vice president of sales, marketing and customer support for Piper Aircraft. “As Piper’s Authorized Piper Dealer and service provider in the Northwest United States, Western truly embraces an unwavering commitment in delivering exceptional quality, service and customer experience.”

While a small number of other aircraft types also contributed to the achievement, the majority of sales are attributed to Pilatus and Piper products, both new and preowned.

“This milestone is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our entire team at Western Aircraft,” said Phil Winters, vice president of aircraft sales and charter management for Western Aircraft. “We are grateful to our customers for their trust and loyalty over the years. Our commitment remains focused on delivering exceptional service and ensuring that every buyer enjoys an outstanding ownership journey, from the initial purchase to years of operation.”

WESTERN AIRCRAFT APPOINTS CHRIS CHAVEZ AS NEW AVIONICS SALES MANAGER

Western Aircraft announced that Chris Chavez accepted the role of Avionics Sales Manager.

Mr. Chavez joined Western nearly three years ago as an Avionics Technician and most recently worked as an Avionics Tech 3. Prior to joining Western, he served in the United States Marine Corps for five years as both an Avionics Technician and a Quality Assurance Representative

In his new role, Mr. Chavez will be responsible for developing and closing opportunities for avionics upgrades and installations for Western Aircraft’s thriving avionics business.

WESTERN AIRCRAFT NOW A STARLINK DEALER AND INSTALLER

Western Aircraft, a subsidiary of Greenwich AeroGroup, has officially become an authorized dealer and installer for Starlink, the satellite-based internet service developed by SpaceX. Starlink's technology enables inflight 4K video calls, streaming, online gaming, and secure virtual private network (VPN) connections. With more than 6,000 satellites in low Earth orbit and more being launched regularly, Starlink boasts the largest satellite constellation in the world.

"We are thrilled to add Starlink to our repertoire of connectivity solutions for our customers," said Kerry Heiss, director of sales and marketing for Western Aircraft. "This partnership allows us to provide another tailored solution to meet our customers' inflight connectivity needs."

Western Aircraft currently offers Starlink for Gulfstream G650/G550/G450 and GV aircraft and Beechcraft King Air 200 and 300 series models. Additional Starlink STCs are currently in development that Western Aircraft will be able to offer in the future.

WESTERN AIRCRAFT EXPANDS SALES AND SUPPORT TEAM WITH KEY APPOINTMENTS

Western Aircraft, a Greenwich AeroGroup company, is bolstering its MRO support team for turboprop and jet aircraft with the addition of key personnel.

Peter Chabay was recently promoted to turboprop customer service manager from his previous role as MRO quoter at Western Aircraft. Mr. Chabay, who joined Western in March 2022, brings extensive customer service experience from his time at Pilatus Business Aircraft and Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation.

Charlie Rust is now part of Western Aircraft as its turboprop service manager. Before his current role, Mr. Rust served in various capacities at Textron Aviation’s subsidiary, Able Aerospace in Mesa, Arizona, from 2015 to 2024, most recently as operations manager for Able Engineering.

Jeff Soderberg has joined the company as a regional sales manager with a primary focus on jet MRO sales. He brings with him a strong background encompassing regional and global sales and support roles with prominent companies such as StandardAero, JSSI, and Pratt & Whitney Canada. Mr. Soderberg transitions from his previous position as vice president of the Engine Division at Avmax Aircraft Leasing. In his new capacity at Western, he will concentrate on MRO sales targeting Gulfstream and Falcon aircraft owner/operators in the Southwest and Southern California regions.

WESTERN AIRCRAFT SET TO BEGIN SCHEDULED AIR PASSENGER OPERATIONS IN HAWAII

Western Aircraft, Inc., a Greenwich AeroGroup company, has received Commuter Air Carrier Authorization from the Department of Transportation, paving the way for the company to provide scheduled passenger operations.

Western Aircraft will be using next-generation Pilatus PC-12 aircraft for its scheduled operations, with a focus on routes between Honolulu and Lāna‘i in the State of Hawaii where it currently performs on-demand air taxi operations as Lāna‘i Air.

“We are thrilled to receive our Commuter Air Carrier Authorization from the DOT,” said Western Aircraft’s Vice President for Aircraft Sales and Charter Management Phil Winters. "Our entire team has been working hard to prepare for these operations, and we look forward to supplementing our existing Lāna’i Air operations with scheduled passenger flights.”

With this approval, Western Aircraft becomes one of only 35 operators in the United States that have Commuter Air Carrier Authorization. The ongoing schedule for these operations is being finalized and Western Aircraft anticipates ramping up the flight schedule in the near future.

WESTERN AIRCRAFT ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES TO SUPPORT GROWTH

Western Aircraft, a leading provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, today announced changes to its leadership structure to better support its employees and customers as the business continues to grow.

Jody Harris, who has served as Director of Aircraft Services for the past seven years, will transition to the newly created role of Director of Operations Logistics. In this expanded role, Mr.Harris will continue to provide leadership for MRO Engineering, Quality Assurance and Planning, and will add leadership for the Parts Logistics, Warehouse and Facilities teams.

Brody McKenna, who joined Western Aircraft two years ago as the Avionics Department Manager, is promoted to Director of MRO Operations. He will be responsible for the Jet, Turboprop, Avionics, Interiors, and Structures departments.

According to Austin Shontz, Western Aircraft’s General Manager, the company is better positioned for the future. “As with any growing organization, there are periodic changes necessary to ensure we are managing our work, people and customers with the appropriate amount of support,” he said. “I am confident these moves will serve us well in the months and years to come, and I’m especially pleased to have the opportunity to work directly with these two key leaders as we take the business forward.”

Mr. McKenna brings more than 18 years of aviation experience to his new position.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead such a talented team of professionals,” he said. “I look forward to continuing the strong culture of excellence in maintenance, repair, and overhaul services that Western Aircraft has become well known for in its more than 65 years in business.”