West Star Aviation acquires DCJet
West Star Aviation has completed the acquisition of field maintenance and aircraft on ground (AOG) specialist DCJet.
The transaction, details of which were not disclosed, sees West Star further cement its status as the largest AOG network in the world.
The acquisition “significantly” expands West Star’s AOG network from more than 200 technicians to over 250 “AOG-ready experts” positioned nationwide, the company stated in a press release. The deal sees a total of 106 extra staff join the team, West Star told CJI.
“DCJet has earned a strong reputation for how they show up for customers, quickly, professionally, and with deep technical capability,” said Stephen Maiden, CEO of West Star Aviation. “Their culture and approach fit naturally with ours. Together, we are strengthening our ability to support business aviation operators nationwide with faster response, greater coordination, and even more technical depth in the field.”
The deal was partly inspired by the growing number of AOG events West Star is experiencing due to factors such as an ageing global fleet. Maiden told CJI it was also a “great opportunity” to partner with a “great team and business” that provides complimentary coverage and services to its existing business.
“There isn’t overlap, DCJet was in regions we were not heavily supporting but now can,” he added.
As well as AOG support, DCJet currently operates from five locations: Dulles International Airport in Dulles, Virginia; Chicago Midway International Airport in Chicago, Illinois; Orlando International Airport in Orlando, Florida; Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington; and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Joe Ortiz, president and founder of DCJet, said: “By joining West Star Aviation, we gain additional scale and resources while staying focused on what has always defined DCJet: taking care of the customer, working as a team and delivering solutions where and when they are needed most.”
According to a press release, West Star expects a “measured integration” approach, with an emphasis on maintaining continuity of service.
“We’ve listened to our customers and acted to meet their needs,” said Maiden. “The changes coming are designed to enhance how we support day-to-day operations for both our staff and customers.
“We are increasing coverage, support, and capabilities across our leading AOG network. This means faster responsiveness, more resource availability, and improved ability,” he added.
There will also be no changes to West Star’s broader leadership structure. Ortiz will join West Star’s senior leadership team and will lead a significant portion of its fleet business unit, the spokesperson confirmed.
The deal follows the recent appointment of Brian Howell as chief commercial officer. Reporting to Maiden, Howell will focus on strengthening sales and marketing by assessing current strategies and fostering collaboration across teams. He will also lead an evaluation of talent within the commercial organisation.
