West Star Aviation has announced the completion of its new hangar at the East Alton facility, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 27th. This achievement follows the ground-breaking in June 2023 and underscores West Star Aviation's dedication to growth and excellence.
The newly unveiled Hangar 67 adds a substantial 75,700 ft² of space, comprising 40,000 ft² of dedicated hangar space and 35,700 ft² for advanced modification support. This expansion significantly increases the company's capacity, enhancing its capabilities in interior, avionics, and sheet metal services. Additionally, the new facility will house cutting-edge production technologies, including a state-of-the-art design centre.
“The completion of Hangar 67 marks a significant milestone in West Star Aviation's forward-looking vision,” said Stephen Maiden, CEO of West Star Aviation. “This facility not only boosts our service capabilities but also reaffirms our commitment to growth and innovation, ensuring we are well-equipped to meet the needs of our valued customers.”
The $20 million investment in the East Alton facility includes modern equipment and tooling, further enhancing West Star Aviation's service offerings. The expansion is expected to create 60 to 80 new jobs, contributing positively to the local community's economic development.
Brian Bauwens, General Manager of the East Alton facility, added, “This expansion reflects the tremendous growth we've experienced here. The added capacity and advanced resources will significantly impact our operations, enabling us to serve our customers more efficiently.”
West Star Aviation collaborated closely with Contegra Construction and the St. Louis Regional Airport throughout the project. Danny Adams, Airport Director for ALN, emphasised the importance of this partnership, stating, “Our longstanding relationship with West Star Aviation has been instrumental in the ongoing development of the St. Louis Regional Airport.”
In parallel with West Star's hangar expansion, the St. Louis Regional Airport has completed a 56,000 ft² apron expansion. Supported by the Illinois Department of Transportation – Division of Aeronautics, this expansion further enhances the airport's capabilities, aligning with West Star's growth and commitment to service excellence.
