MRO & Manufacturing
Citadel Aviation Secures 13 VIP Aircraft Projects with Starlink Integration
Citadel Aviation starts 2026 with 13 VIP aircraft projects focusing on Starlink high-speed connectivity and avionics upgrades at its Louisiana facility.
This article is based on an official press release from Citadel Aviation.
Citadel Aviation, the Lake Charles-based maintenance and completions provider formerly known as Citadel Completions, has announced a significant surge in activity to begin the 2026 fiscal year. According to a company press release issued on January 16, the firm secured 13 new VIP Private-Jets projects in the month of January alone. This influx of Contracts follows closely on the heels of the company’s strategic rebranding on January 9, signaling a renewed focus on advanced technology integration alongside its traditional luxury interior services.
The newly awarded projects encompass a mix of elite, privatized narrow-body and wide-body commercial-sized aircraft. The company stated that the scope of work for these contracts emphasizes high-speed connectivity upgrades and Avionics modernization, reflecting a broader industry trend where in-flight data speeds are becoming as critical as cabin comfort.
A central pillar of Citadel Aviation’s 2026 strategy involves the deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology. The company confirmed in its announcement that it is acting as an authorized dealer for Starlink Business Aviation products. Unlike legacy Geostationary (GEO) systems, the Starlink integration allows for high-speed internet (up to 220 Mbps) with low latency (under 20ms), enabling capabilities such as 4K streaming and real-time video conferencing that were previously challenging on private aircraft.
The 13 new projects reportedly involve the installation of these satellite terminals on fuselage exteriors, as well as upgrades to cabin management systems. The aircraft slated for these modifications include major commercial platforms often converted for VVIP use, such as the Boeing 737, 747, and 777, as well as the Airbus A320, A330, and A350 families.
Beyond the installation of connectivity suites, Citadel Aviation is expanding its maintenance capabilities. The press release highlights an enhancement of the company’s Aircraft on Ground (AOG) support services, which now include 24/7 mobile repair teams designed to minimize downtime for clients.
Noel Christen, Vice President of Operations at Citadel Aviation, commented on the company’s rapid start to the year in the official statement:
“Starting the year with such strong momentum highlights our team’s exceptional technical expertise and the trust our clients place in us. Aligned with our CEO Greg Colgan’s vision, we are dedicated to transforming the industry by combining unmatched technical proficiency with earned credibility, built on transparency and a highly personalized customer experience.”
These new contracts will be executed at Citadel Aviation’s headquarters at Chennault International Airport (KCWF) in Louisiana. The facility features 260,000 square feet of hangar and industrial space and utilizes a 10,700-foot runway capable of accommodating the largest aircraft in operation, including the Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A380. The surge in business validates the company’s recent pivot. Founded in 2018 by the late Sheldon G. Adelson and his family, the company operated as Citadel Completions until its rebranding earlier this month. Under the leadership of CEO Greg Colgan, the firm has moved to position itself as a full-service provider that integrates Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) with high-tech engineering solutions.
The announcement of 13 simultaneous projects for a single facility in one month is a notable indicator of the health of the VVIP aftermarket sector. Specifically, it underscores the “Connected Cabin” revolution. As Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) and heads of state increasingly treat their aircraft as flying offices, the tolerance for sub-par internet connectivity has evaporated.
Citadel’s aggressive move to secure authorized dealer status for Starlink places it in a competitive position against other major completion centers like Jet Aviation and Lufthansa Technik. By prioritizing LEO satellite installations on large commercial airframes, Citadel is addressing a specific bottleneck in the market: owners of large VIP airliners who require terrestrial-grade bandwidth to maintain operations while airborne.
Citadel Aviation Secures 13 VIP Projects in January, Pushing Connectivity Focus
Focus on Connectivity and Starlink Integration
Operational Expansion and Support
Facility Capabilities and Rebranding Context
AirPro News Analysis
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Photo Credit: Citadel Aviation