Yingling Aviation is marking its 75th anniversary in 2021 by further expanding its operations at Dwight D. Eisenhower National airport in Wichita, Kansas. The company has added another 50,000 sq ft of hangar and office space to the 200,000 sq ft of facilities for its MRO business and FBO with the acquisition of three additional hangars (#10, 11, and 12) adjacent to the east runway (01/19) and in close proximity to its existing space.

“Expanding our ongoing business and operations is a significant and appropriate way to celebrate 75 years in Wichita,” says company president Andrew Nichols. “The acquisition of these three hangars comes at an ideal time, not just from a historical perspective, but also a practical one. Our MRO support of the Citation and King Air models and our FBO activities continue to expand. The addition of these properties will not only allow us to grow the services we offer; they make it possible for us to build lasting partnerships with an increasing number of aircraft owners and operators. This is a win for Wichita, the aviation community and our Textron Aviation customers.”

Yingling is one of the original tenants on what is now known as Dwight D. Eisenhower National airport, having moved its operations from Wichita Municipal to the then Wichita Mid-Continent upon its opening in 1954. Marking its 75th birthday in 2021, the company is celebrating a history of growth and success that parallels the development of general aviation in the US. Yingling has recorded a long list of firsts in the industry, beginning with being designated the very first Cessna Aircraft Company dealer in 1946. The company's long association with Cessna set the stage for its transformation and expansion over seven and a half decades into one of the nation's most expansive and inclusive maintenance, repair and overhaul, sales, service and parts facilities and fixed base operations.

Throughout most of its existence, Yingling has been a family affair, first with the Yinglings and since 2000 with the Nichols family. Lynn Nichols, who currently serves as CEO, purchased the firm that year and led it until handing the reigns over to his son, Andrew in 2019. “From my youth aviation was always important to me and to my family. My dad was an executive with Cessna, and I grew up around airplanes and flying, so it was not surprising that I felt a strong inclination to acquire Yingling Aviation in 2000 when it became available,” explains Nichols. “It has been a challenging and rewarding experience and one I wouldn't change for the world. It has given me the opportunity to meet, lead and grow close to our professional family at Yingling and to share the experiences with my personal family, as well. The past two decades have been gratifying, and they've passed quickly. Its success over 75 years is a tribute to all of the people who have been a part of the Yingling organisation. I have been pleased to be a part of its success.”

“Like my Dad, I grew up in aviation, as well,” adds Andrew Nichols. “To have the privilege to lead a group of outstanding, loyal and dedicated employees over the past couple of years is a dream come true. I have learned from and grown close to this great group of employees, and I'm looking forward to the next chapter in the ongoing Yingling. Aviation story.”

Lonnie Vaughan, who worked with Lynn Nichols in the office technology business and came with him to Yingling, served as president of the firm between Lynn and Andrew, reflects on the company's history, as well. “Yingling was already a mature operation when Lynn acquired it in 2000, but it had seen much of its tradition and business erode over a half century of existence. With the help of a core group of experienced professionals, a creative and often unconventional approach, we were able to grow and expand the company and the services and products we offered. It's extremely gratifying to mark this important milestone and be able to look back on Yingling's extraordinary history with pride and admiration for the team that made it happen.”

Business Air News is pleased to add our congratulations - Yingling was one of our prized advertisers in the very first edition back in 1989.