Story ID: 
West Star Completes Expansion of Tennessee Facility
By: Gregory Polek
Caption: An expansion push at West Star Aviation saw the addition of 57,000 sq ft of space in Chattanooga, Tennessee. 
Word Count: 204
Business aircraft MRO and FBO provider West Star Aviation has enlarged its facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This marks the completion of the first of several expansion projects, including ones at its East Alton, Illinois, and Grand Junction, Colorado shops.
West Star celebrated the completion of its work in Chattanooga with a ceremony on July 19 attended by local officials and company employees. The project, which took about a year to complete, added 57,000 sq ft of hangar, shop, and support space, bringing total square footage to 262,816 sq ft.
At Chattanooga, the company now operates from five hangars, one of which it has dedicated to Gulfstream work. It has also added finish and upholstery modification support and a customer design center. 
“This Chattanooga [CHA] expansion will ensure that West Star Aviation will be well-positioned to meet our growing customers’ needs,” said West Star CEO Jim Rankin. “The new hangar and additional space show our continued commitment to implementing sustainable growth that benefits our customers, employees, and the surrounding communities.
West Star Aviation specializes in the repair and maintenance of airframes, engines, and APUs, avionics installations and repair, major modifications, interior refurbishment, exterior paint, accessory services, and parts.