West Star Aviation Expands AOG Network with DCJet Acquisition

This article is based on an official press release from West Star Aviation.

West Star Aviation Expands AOG Network with Acquisitions of DCJet

On March 3, 2026, West Star Aviation announced the completion of its acquisition of DCJet, a specialized provider of Aircraft on Ground (AOG) and field maintenance services. According to the company’s official statement, this strategic move is designed to bolster West Star’s nationwide service footprint and enhance its ability to deliver rapid, coordinated support for business aviation operators across the United States.

The acquisition integrates DCJet’s resources into West Star Aviation’s existing infrastructure, significantly expanding one of the industry’s largest AOG networks. By bringing DCJet’s workforce into the fold, West Star reports that its mobile repair team has grown from approximately 200 technicians to over 250 AOG-ready experts. These teams are positioned to respond 24/7/365 to maintenance needs, aiming to minimize downtime for aircraft away from their home bases.

Strategic Expansion of Service Locations

A key component of this acquisition is the immediate expansion of geographic coverage. DCJet, known for its responsive field maintenance, operates from five strategic locations that will now serve as critical hubs for West Star Aviation’s mobile response teams. According to the press release, these locations include:

• Dulles International Airport (IAD), Dulles, Virginia
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), Chicago, Illinois
• Orlando International Airport (MCO), Orlando, Florida
• Boeing Field (BFI), Seattle, Washington
• Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), San Juan, Puerto Rico

The inclusion of the San Juan location is particularly notable for operators requiring support in the Caribbean, while the mainland hubs strengthen coverage in the Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, and Pacific Northwest.

Leadership Perspectives

Both organizations have emphasized the cultural alignment and shared commitment to customer service as primary drivers for the deal. Stephen Maiden, CEO of West Star Aviation, highlighted DCJet’s reputation for professional and rapid service.

“DCJet has earned a strong reputation for how they show up for customers, quickly, professionally, and with deep technical capability. Their culture and approach fit naturally with ours.”

, Stephen Maiden, CEO of West Star Aviation

Joe Ortiz, President and Founder of DCJet, expressed optimism about the merger, noting that it allows his team to gain scale while maintaining their core focus.

“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.”

, Joe Ortiz, President and Founder of DCJet

Operational Integration

West Star Aviation has outlined a “measured integration approach” to ensure continuity of service. The West Star Aviation Control Center will now dispatch the expanded pool of technicians, utilizing the increased depth of field expertise to shorten response times. The company stated that the priority remains delivering reliable support to get customers back in the air quickly.

AirPro News Analysis

The “Talent War” in MRO

While the press release focuses on geographic expansion, AirPro News views this acquisition through the lens of the ongoing labor shortage in the aviation maintenance sector. In the current market, acquiring a specialized firm like DCJet is often the most efficient strategy for securing high-quality technical talent. By adding 50+ experienced technicians in a single transaction, West Star Aviation effectively bypasses the slow process of individual recruitment in a tight labor market.

Private Equity and Consolidation

This move also aligns with broader industry trends following Greenbriar Equity Group’s acquisition of West Star Aviation in 2025. The backing of a private equity firm typically accelerates growth through consolidation. As aging fleets require more frequent maintenance and supply chain constraints persist, the demand for immediate “pit crew” style repairs, where the mechanic travels to the aircraft, has spiked. West Star’s aggressive expansion of its AOG network positions it to capture a larger share of this high-demand “immediate repair” market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AOG support?

AOG stands for “Aircraft on Ground.” It refers to a situation where an aircraft is grounded due to a maintenance issue that prevents it from flying. AOG support services involve dispatching mobile technicians to the aircraft’s location to perform immediate repairs and return it to service.

How many technicians does West Star Aviation now have for AOG?

Following the acquisition of DCJet, West Star Aviation reports having over 250 AOG-ready technicians nationwide.

Will DCJet continue to operate independently?

West Star Aviation plans a measured integration. While DCJet’s dispatch operations will be merged into the West Star Aviation Control Center, the company emphasizes preserving the people-focused culture of DCJet. The specific branding transition timeline was not detailed in the initial announcement.

Sources: West Star Aviation Press Release