West Star Aviation Posts 84% AOG Rate After DCJet Acquisition

MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) provider West Star Aviation achieved a record 84% acceptance rate for Aircraft on Ground (AOG) requests in May 2026, following a strategic expansion of its technician workforce.

In a press release issued on June 5, 2026, the company attributed the capacity increase to its March 3, 2026, acquisition of DCJet. The integration expanded West Star Aviation’s dedicated AOG network to over 250 technicians, up from 200, positioning the firm to handle higher volumes of unscheduled maintenance events ahead of the summer travel season.

DCJet acquisition drives network expansion

The March acquisition of DCJet added five new locations to West Star Aviation’s nationwide footprint: Dulles International Airport (IAD), Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Boeing Field (BFI), and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU).

The expanded workforce is supported by a 24/7/365 AOG control center staffed by 12 controllers. This centralized coordination allows the MRO provider to dispatch technicians, tooling, and ground support equipment across its network to minimize operator downtime.

Gary Lee, Vice President of AOG at West Star Aviation, stated that the added resources are essential for meeting customer needs during critical periods of high demand.

“With access to tooling and GSE across our network, we’re poised to respond quickly, safely, and effectively wherever our customers need us,” Lee said in the release.

Infrastructure growth and satellite facilities

The AOG capacity improvements coincide with broader infrastructure investments by the company, which employs over 3,000 professionals and has 79 years of industry experience.

On June 2, 2026, West Star Aviation announced the opening of its fifth satellite location at Addison Airport in Texas. The new 40,000-square-foot hangar provides scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, AOG support, and avionics upgrades specifically targeting the Dallas metroplex.

Stephen Maiden, CEO of West Star Aviation, noted that the DCJet integration strengthens the company’s ability to support business aviation operators with faster response times, greater coordination, and increased technical depth in the field.

AirPro News analysis

The business aviation sector relies heavily on rapid AOG response to maintain dispatch reliability, particularly during peak travel months. By acquiring an established AOG provider like DCJet rather than attempting to scale organically, West Star Aviation has immediately secured both trained personnel and strategic airport access. The reported 84% acceptance rate in May 2026 indicates that the integration is already yielding operational dividends. We expect MRO consolidation to continue as larger providers seek to capture regional market share and alleviate industry-wide technician shortages through strategic acquisitions.

Sources: West Star Aviation