StandardAero has acquired Van Nuys airport, California-based Western Jet Aviation, an independently owned business jet maintenance company that specialises in Gulfstream aircraft and has an additional facility located at Miami-Opa Locka Executive airport in Florida.

“Western Jet Aviation's broad range of business aviation MRO capabilities expands our facility footprint, customer base, geographic reach and repair portfolio to facilitate continuing growth for StandardAero,” says chairman and CEO Russell Ford. “Organisationally, Western Jet Aviation will be aligned with our business aviation division, and we warmly welcome the Western Jet Aviation team to StandardAero.”

This is StandardAero's 12th acquisition since 2015, and comprises a footprint of over 120,000 sq ft of hangar, shop and office space on 10 acres along with a team of nearly 100 aviation professionals. This marks the first acquisition by StandardAero that focuses on airframe/non-engine work in recent history. Western Jet Aviation is a certified repair station offering tip-to-tail maintenance and interior services for the GIV and G200 through to the G650, plus heavy avionics support on many other popular business aviation aircraft. It will continue for now under the name Western Jet Aviation, 'a StandardAero Company'.

Western Jet Aviation offers business jet customers a myriad of AOG and scheduled maintenance services including airframe inspections, engine and APU trouble shooting, diagnostics and repair, part sales, interior soft good modifications, wood repair and major structural repairs. The avionics install shop serves most major business jet platforms, ranging from comprehensive cockpit and cabin management system upgrades, in-flight connectivity installations, annual certifications, troubleshooting, field support and OEM extended warranty programmes.

Like StandardAero, Western Jet Aviation is FAA and EASA certified and OEM licensed with capabilities to provide modifications and upgrades for its customers. Western Jet Aviation provides line maintenance on Rolls-Royce Tay, Spey, BR710 and BR725 engines and services Honeywell 36 series and RE220 series APUs.

Western Jet Aviation founder Jim Hansen has led the company for over 20 years and says: “After nearly 50 years in aviation, it was time for me to pass the reins. We have accomplished so much at Western Jet, but it was also time to find the right partner to help go to the next level. StandardAero is the perfect partner to help this company do just that. I am thrilled for the employees and for the future of this company.”