West Star Aviation Breaks Ground on Major Expansion at Chattanooga (CHA)

West Star Aviation has officially broken ground on a significant expansion project at its Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) campus in Tennessee. Announced on February 18, 2026, the development is designed to address increasing customer demand for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. According to the company, the project will expand the Chattanooga site to approximately 400,000 square feet, with a targeted completion date of February 2027.

The expansion includes the construction of new hangar space and the enhancement of existing facilities, aiming to streamline workflow and improve the customer experience. West Star Aviation states that the project will also drive local economic growth by creating hundreds of new skilled positions over the next five years.

Facility Upgrades and New Infrastructure

The development plan outlines substantial additions to the campus, focusing on increasing capacity and integrating critical support shops. A key component of the project is the construction of Hangar 26, which will feature a 40,000-square-foot hangar bay supported by 15,000 square feet of shop and office space. This new facility will include customer and program offices, climate-controlled storage for aircraft interiors, and an improved customer lounge.

In its press release, West Star Aviation detailed the safety and efficiency upgrades planned for Hangar 26, noting the inclusion of an overhead crane, fall protection systems, and dedicated fire-rated document storage.

Simultaneously, the existing Hangar 27 will undergo a major expansion with a new two-story, 30,000-square-foot addition. This space is designated to house an expanded Aircraft Service Department, as well as specific shops for accessories, composites, and sheet metal. By consolidating these functions, the company aims to reduce turnaround times and improve communication between technical teams.

Economic Impact and Workforce Growth

Beyond the physical infrastructure, the expansion represents a significant investment in the regional workforce. West Star Aviation currently employs more than 500 team members at its Chattanooga location. The company projects that the new facilities will create up to 200 additional skilled positions over the next five years.

Mike Ditmeyer, Vice President and General Manager of the Chattanooga location, emphasized the importance of the project for both the company and the community:

“The site expansion strengthens our foundation to support our customers’ maintenance needs and further develop our team’s expertise. The pride, quality, and teamwork of this group are at the heart of this facility.”

The groundbreaking event was attended by local leaders, including Weston Wamp, Mayor of Hamilton County, and Jack McAfee, Vice President of Operations with the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority. West Star Aviation acknowledged the support of several partners, including the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Electric Power Board, and the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce.

AirPro News Analysis

This expansion underscores the strategic importance of Chattanooga as a central hub for business aviation in the Southeast. By increasing its footprint to 400,000 square feet, West Star Aviation is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the MRO Market-Analysis, which has seen sustained demand for heavy maintenance and modifications. The consolidation of specialty shops (composites, sheet metal) directly adjacent to hangar bays suggests a focus on efficiency, a critical metric for operators looking to minimize aircraft downtime.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the expansion expected to be finished?
West Star Aviation targets a completion date of February 2027.

How many jobs will be created?
The company expects to add up to 200 skilled positions over the next five years.

What specific facilities are being added?
The project includes a new 40,000 sq. ft. hangar (Hangar 26) with support space, and a 30,000 sq. ft. two-story addition to Hangar 27.

Sources

• West Star Aviation