A private equity firm with experience in the aviation industry has acquired West Star Aviation.

The Sterling Group succeeds Norwest Equity Partners as an investor in West Star.

“Sterling’s employee-focused approach
to their business partnerships and their expertise in the general aviation space makes them the perfect fit for West Star,” said Jim Rankin, chief executive officer of West Star Aviation.

Greg Elliott, a partner in the Sterling Group, also praised the partnership. “We believe that our experience coupled with West Star’s industry leading customer service capabilities will make us a powerful combination.”

The Sterling Group previously worked with the owners to build Lynx FBO Network.

Elliott has been involved in building several aviation companies over the past 20 years, serving as either a chairman or board member of Lynx as well as Encore, Trajen and Landmark Aviation.

Dave Krogman, general manager of the West Star Aviation operation in Grand Junction, said the partnership with Sterling Group will enable West Star to expand facilities at several locations.

In Grand Junction, a $16 million expansion will include a new 40,000-square-foot hangar and an additional 32,000 square feet of shop and office space. West Star expects to increase staffing with 110 new positions.

West Star Aviation offers a range of services that include the maintenance and repair of airframes, engines and avionics as well as painting and interior refurbishments. 

In addition to its facilities at the Grand Junction Regional Airport, West Star Aviation operates facilities in Aspen and Denver as well as in Arizona, Illinois, Minneapolis, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas.

Rankin said the partnership with Sterling bodes well for West Star. “As we enter our 75th year, the combined efforts of our experienced employees, our founders and now the Sterling team will allow West Star to continue to offer the best customer service in the industry.”