Several locations in the network of US MRO specialist West Star Aviation have been awarded the FAA Diamond Award of Excellence for 2023, among them its four full-service locations at St Louis Regional airport in East Alton, Illinois; Lovell Field in Chattanooga, Tennessee; Grand Junction Regional airport in Colorado; and Perryville Regional airport facility in Missouri.

The Diamond Award is the FAA's highest achievement for technicians and employers who initiate and sustain highly effective training programmes. To qualify for this award, 100 per cent of the AMTs had to participate in specialised training that included safety, technical knowledge, aircraft systems, aviation regulations and FAA rules. Additionally, the technicians completed a minimum of 12 hours of structured FAA training, earning each of them individual awards as well.

"As West Star grows, training will continue to be our top priority. We have increased our financial investment in training substantially year over year. Training is an investment in our people and our people are my top priority. It's a great honour to recognise their continued hard work and overall accomplishments," says COO Allen McReynolds. "This award also confirms to our customers that West Star's aircraft technicians are the best in the business and take pride in their work and achievements."