West Star Aviation has officially launched its expansion program in Chattanooga, marking the occasion with a groundbreaking ceremony on July 13 with construction starting the same day.
The new hangar complex will consist of 40,000 square feet of active hangar space and an additional 17,000 square feet of shop and support space.
Additionally, West Star has started retrofitting one of its existing hangars to include a new design studio, customer accommodations and nearly double their interior shop capacity. The complete planned expansion of the Chattanooga location will increase the total operational footprint from 180,000 square feet to approximately 260,000 square feet effectively. The construction should be complete in less than a year, with a June 2023 expected completion date.
“We are very excited to start this expansion project and look forward to completion of the construction bringing 100+ more jobs to the local community along with offering our valued customers the additional space to complete their maintenance projects.”
Steve Goede, General Manager, West Star Chattanooga
West Star, a maintenance and repair organization (MRO) for business, corporate and private jets, has operated in Chattanooga since 2015. Their services include repair and maintenance of airframes, engines and auxiliary power units, avionics installations and repair, major modifications, interior refurbishment, exterior paint, accessory services and part sales.
The company first announced its $17 million expansion in December 2021, an investment that would enable the company to increase its clientele and grow to about 850 projects per year.
This expansions has garnered support from leaders at local and state levels from the State of Tennessee to the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County, as well as private entities like Chattanooga Airport and organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.
“West Star Aviation and Chattanooga Airport’s expansion are inextricably linked to the success and economic growth of our region. Thank you to our partners at EPB, TVA and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for supporting this project that’s set to bring over 100 new jobs to Chattanooga. ”
Steve Hiatt, Director of Existing Business, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.
Through this expansion, West Star hopes to grow its influence within a small yet wealthy market of private jet owners — attracting new patrons to our many local amenities and supporting Chattanooga’s economic growth.
Learn more about West Star Aviation, here.
Go “Inside West Star Aviation’s $17 Million Expansion,” here.
