Have you ever stopped to think about how many businesses there are in the United States? Nowadays, it’s rare to drive down a street without seeing a car wash, a coffee shop, a service facility, or a warehouse. Many businesses in the beginning are built on a foundation of hopes and dreams—maybe to better the lives of their families, or their neighbors or to meet a need in the community. Sometimes it’s just simply fulfilling a passion.
The Harsh Reality of Business Survival
Unfortunately, sometimes those hopes and dreams are cut short. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 20% of small businesses fail within the first year, and about 50% fail within five years. Only around 30% of businesses survive for 10 years or more. Businesses that last 25 years or more are rare, and those that survive for 50 or 65 years are even rarer.
The Secret to Longevity: Sustainable Growth
Having a successful business means growing sustainably—growing at the right pace, hiring the right people, partnering with the right vendors and cultivating relationships with those you serve. It’s a formula not every company can live up to – but Western Aircraft in Boise, Idaho, has.
Western Aircraft: A Rare and Remarkable Success Story
Western Aircraft is one of the less than 1% of the total number of businesses in the U.S.—that are still in business, more than 65 years after they took flight. Think about that for a minute. Less than one percent. It’s safe to say that businesses with such longevity are quite rare and are part of an exclusive group of companies with a strong legacy and significant staying power. Such is the case for Western.
From Humble Beginnings
In the 1930s, Western Aircraft began as the corporate flight department for the Morrison Knudsen Corporation (MK), headquartered in Boise, Idaho. In 1957, MK responded to an overwhelming need for aircraft repair services by applying for and receiving its first FAA Certified Repair Station Certificate.
Growth and Expansion Through the Decades
During the 1980s, three more hangars were added, as the company became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morrison Knudsen Corporation incorporated under the name of Western Aircraft Inc. In 1995, Al Hilde, Jr. and Allen Hoyt purchased the company from Morrison Knudson. Between 1997 and 2007, the company became the world’s largest PC-12 dealer and an Authorized Falcon Service Center among other things. Greenwich AeroGroup purchased the company in 2007.
A Modern MRO with Extensive Capabilities
Today, Western Aircraft proudly stands with more than 100,000 square feet of maintenance hangar space, plus dedicated shops for Avionics, Interiors (including wood and soft goods), and Structures. It's been quite the transformation over the years from a less-known regional MRO to a capable, convenient, cost-effective MRO with significant capabilities and authorizations for a variety of aircraft, from turboprops to large jets.
Passion and Personalization: The Western Aircraft Way
“The growth of Western Aircraft has been exciting to watch over the years,” said Austin Shontz, vice president and general manager for Western. “Our team is passionate about aviation and very attuned to our customers’ unique needs and preferences. And because of that, our customers receive a more personalized, tailored experience specific to them.”
As Western has expanded over the years, so has its client base. Today, Western maintains a substantial customer base in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A large part of that growth is due to the diverse types of airframes its team serves, including Citation, Embraer, Falcon, King Air, Pilatus, Piper, and Kodiak aircraft.
Expanding into New Horizons: Western Aircraft’s Gulfstream Capabilities
In 2018, Western Aircraft took another bold step forward, expanding its capabilities into the prestigious Gulfstream market.
“What started as a simple 12/24-month maintenance event with a windshield change on a GV has evolved significantly,” said Kerry Heiss, director of sales and marketing for Western Aircraft. “Since then, we’ve advanced to performing major inspections on Gulfstream aircraft, including 96-month and 144-month inspections on a Gulfstream G650.”
Today, Western Aircraft proudly offers comprehensive maintenance services for Gulfstream models G350, GIV, G450, GV, G550, and G650, and is recognized as a Rolls Royce-Approved Service Center.
Although Western Aircraft is not an authorized service facility for Gulfstream, its strategic location in the Northwest provides a convenient and picturesque option for Gulfstream owners and operators. Nestled in Boise, Idaho, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, Western Aircraft offers a unique blend of expertise and accessibility.
“In 2022, we completed an $18 million, 93,000-square-foot expansion, which included a 53,000-square-foot hangar on our 18-acre leasehold,” Heiss shared. “This expansion has equipped us to better serve our Gulfstream customers. Additionally, we’ve assembled a highly collaborative and experienced team for Gulfstream aircraft who are fully familiar with our customers’ needs and committed to delivering tailored solutions.”
The market has taken notice. This year, Western Aircraft is on track to deliver more Gulfstream labor hours than ever before, including significant work on the larger cabin Gulfstream models. Their momentum is evident in the completion of multiple 96-month and 192-month inspections on older Gulfstream models, and inspection work on the G650. The team is also excelling in avionics, including Gogo and Starlink connectivity solutions, interior modifications and refurbishments, and cutting-edge cabin management installations.
A Legacy of Excellence: Western Aircraft’s Ongoing Journey
Western Aircraft’s journey from a small corporate flight department to a leading MRO provider is a testament to its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service. With a diverse range of capabilities, a growing portfolio of satisfied clients, and a dedicated team passionate about aviation, Western Aircraft stands as a shining example of what it takes to achieve long-term success in a challenging industry. As they expand their expertise into new markets and continue to evolve, Western Aircraft’s story is far from over - it's a journey of resilience, adaptability, and enduring excellence that will undoubtedly continue to inspire for at least another six decades to come.
Curious to learn more about Western Aircraft or its capabilities? Contact [email protected] or visit Western Aircraft.