This article is based on an official press release from The Blackhawk Group.

The Blackhawk Group Expands to Alaska with Acquisition of Silver Sky Aviation

On January 7, 2026, The Blackhawk Group (TBG) officially announced the acquisition of Silver Sky Aviation, a specialized maintenance and service provider located in Wasilla, Alaska. This strategic move establishes TBG’s sixth Performance Center and marks its first physical entry into the Alaskan market, a region globally recognized for its heavy reliance on high-performance turboprop aircraft.

According to the company’s press release, Silver Sky Aviation will transition to operate as a Blackhawk Performance Center. The facility, based at Wolf Lake Airport (4AK6), joins an existing network of centers across the United States, including locations in Texas, Missouri, Colorado, Arizona, and California. The acquisition aims to integrate Silver Sky’s local maintenance expertise with Blackhawk’s global resources, specifically targeting operators who face the unique and demanding flight conditions of the “Last Frontier.”

Strategic Expansion into a Critical Turboprop Market

The decision to expand into Alaska addresses a specific logistical reality: aviation is a necessity rather than a luxury for much of the state. Industry data indicates that over 80% of Alaskan communities are not connected by the road system, making air travel the primary method for cargo transport, medical evacuation, and passenger travel.

In the official announcement, The Blackhawk Group noted that the region is a “lifeline” market for turboprop airframes, particularly the Cessna Caravan, King Air, and Pilatus PC-12. These aircraft serve as the workhorses of the Alaskan economy, which benefits from an estimated $3.8 billion annual contribution from the aviation sector.

By establishing a Performance Center in Wasilla, TBG intends to offer local operators faster access to maintenance and upgrades. Previously, major performance upgrades often required ferrying aircraft to the “Lower 48” states, incurring significant downtime and expense. The new center allows for factory-level support directly within the region.

Enhancing Performance for Rugged Conditions

The acquisition aligns with Blackhawk’s core competency: engine upgrades that enhance safety and performance margins. Alaskan pilots frequently operate on short, unimproved gravel runways and must contend with severe icing conditions and mountainous terrain.

Blackhawk’s XP Engine+ Upgrades are designed to address these specific challenges. For example, the XP140 upgrade for the Cessna Caravan increases shaft horsepower (SHP) from 675 to 867. According to performance metrics cited in the research accompanying the announcement, this power increase can reduce takeoff distances by 20-30% and improve climb rates by 40-60%. Such improvements are critical for pilots needing to clear terrain quickly or depart from short strips with heavy loads.

Leadership Perspectives

Both companies emphasized the cultural and operational fit of the acquisition. Chad Cundiff, CEO of The Blackhawk Group, highlighted the necessity of high performance in the region.

“Turboprops are a lifeline for operators in the region… Silver Sky’s reputation for technical expertise, customer support, and operational excellence, combined with the resources of The Blackhawk Group, will accelerate capability expansion.”

, Chad Cundiff, CEO of The Blackhawk Group

Aaron McCarty, the founder of Silver Sky Aviation who established the company in 2014, expressed optimism about the future of the facility under the TBG banner.

“Joining The Blackhawk Group allows us to expand our capabilities… and create new opportunities and benefits for our team while maintaining our focus on safety and reliability.”

, Aaron McCarty, Founder of Silver Sky Aviation

AirPro News Analysis

Consolidating the “Bush” Aviation Aftermarket

This Acquisitions signals a maturing of the aftermarket support landscape for utility aviation. The Blackhawk Group, a portfolio company of New State Capital Partners formed in 2022, has been aggressively consolidating specialized aviation service providers. By acquiring Silver Sky, TBG is not just buying a facility; they are capturing a captive audience.

Alaska represents one of the highest concentrations of turboprop utilization in the world. Operators there prioritize reliability and takeoff performance over almost all other metrics. By placing the source of those upgrades, specifically the XP engine series, directly in the local market, TBG effectively shortens the supply chain. We anticipate this will lead to a higher adoption rate of engine upgrades among commercial operators in the region who previously may have hesitated due to the logistics of installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the new Blackhawk Performance Center located?

The new center is located at Wolf Lake Airports (4AK6) in Wasilla, Alaska, at the facility formerly operated by Silver Sky Aviation.

What services will be available at this location?

The location will continue to offer maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services and will now serve as a direct installation center for Blackhawk’s engine upgrades, including those for the Cessna Caravan and King Air series.

Does this affect Silver Sky Aviation’s existing certifications?

Silver Sky was already an Authorized Service Center for the Cessna Caravan and Daher Kodiak. The press release indicates that the local team and capabilities will be retained and expanded, implying these certifications will remain central to their operations.

Sources

• PR Newswire (The Blackhawk Group)