US MRO specialist West Star Aviation has completed its new hangar at its St Louis Regional airport (ALN) facility in East Alton, Illinois with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This milestone follows the groundbreaking in June of 2023 and marks a significant investment in its commitment to growth and excellence.

The hangar, officially named Hangar 67, adds 75,700sq ft of space, including 40,000sq ft of dedicated hangar space and 35,700sq ft of support space for the company's advanced modification capabilities. The expansion also enhances West Star's capacity for interior, avionics and sheet metal services, while enabling the implementation of cutting-edge production technologies, including a new design centre.

“The completion of Hangar 67 represents another significant moment in West Star Aviation's vision for the future,” says CEO Stephen Maiden. “This new facility not only enhances our service capabilities but also exemplifies our ongoing commitment to growth and innovation to ensure we are prepared to meet the needs of our valued customers.”

The $20 million investment in the facility in East Alton includes the latest equipment and tooling. The expansion is expected to create 60-80 new jobs, contributing to the economic development of the local community.

“This expansion is a testament to the incredible growth we've experienced at our East Alton facility,” says Brian Bauwens, general manager of the East Alton facility. “The added capacity and advanced resources will have a tremendous impact on our operations and our ability to serve our customers more efficiently.”

West Star worked closely with Contegra Construction and the St Louis Regional Airport Authority throughout the project. Danny Adams, airport director for ALN says: “Our longstanding partnership with West Star Aviation has been a driving force in the continued development of the St Louis Regional airport. We share in West Star Aviation's commitment toward excellence and are privileged that it has chosen this location to grow its legacy of providing industry-leading service.”

In conjunction with the hangar expansion, the St Louis Regional airport also completed a 56,000sq ft apron expansion. With support from the Illinois Department of Transportation - Division of Aeronautics, this further enhances the airport's capabilities and aligns with West Star's growth.

Established in 1947 as a small aviation company, West Star Aviation has evolved over the past 77 years into the largest MRO in the country, with more than 3,000 employees and locations nationwide. The opening of the new hangar is a testament to its strategic growth, which has strengthened the company's position as a leader in maintenance, repair and overhaul. This growth is powered by a dedicated team whose extensive experience and specialised skills continue to drive success, ensuring that West Star remains at the forefront of the industry. With the completion of the new hangar, West Star's network encompasses 1.5 million square feet of hangar space across the US.