Grand Junction, Colorado (October 2, 2024) — 

West Star Aviation has announced plans for the construction of a new hangar at its full-service Grand Junction (GJT) Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility. The project will be designed and constructed in partnership with Tectonic Management Group. This expansion will add 40,000 square feet of hangar space to accommodate the growing demand for maintenance services, avionics installations, and interior refurbishments, along with 38,000 square feet dedicated to offices and back shop space, and an additional 31,000 square feet of ramp space.

The new hangar will significantly increase West Star’s capacity to better serve customers and provide more space for operations as part of the company’s ongoing growth. The project comes as the Grand Junction Airport is in the midst of a multi-year runway improvement project, an effort that enhances both the airport and West Star’s service offerings.

“This expansion is an exciting milestone for us,” said Scott Sweeney, Vice President / General Manager of West Star’s Grand Junction site. “We’re not just building a new hangar—we’re building on the success and dedication of our team. This will allow us to continue to provide the top-tier service our customers expect while creating new opportunities for our employees and the community.”

The construction project underscores West Star Aviation’s commitment to supporting the evolving needs of its customers by increasing capacity and availability. Allen McReynolds, President and COO of West Star Aviation, shared: “As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of service. The expansion at Grand Junction is not only a win for West Star, but it also supports our larger vision of being the best in the MRO industry.”

The project is expected to create 80-100 new job opportunities and will further solidify West Star’s partnership with GJT Airport. Angela Padalecki, Executive Director of Airport Operations at Grand Junction, emphasized the collaboration: “This expansion strengthens the relationship between the airport and West Star. We’re proud to see West Star’s growth at GJT, and the enhanced services this will bring to the airport will benefit the entire community. West Star is a pillar in our region, and their continued growth is a testament to the partnership we’ve built.”

 The Grand Junction Economic Partnership has been a partner within this expansion by working closely with West Star Aviation and the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) to secure approval for both the Strategic Fund and Job Growth Incentive Tax Credits—an exceptional achievement, as companies are typically not eligible for both incentives.

Curtis Englehart, Executive Director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP), also expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “We are excited to see West Star Aviation advancing their expansion in Grand Junction! This achievement exemplifies the power of community collaboration between GJEP, the City of Grand Junction, Mesa County, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Development, Inc., and many other dedicated partners. We extend our heartfelt thanks to West Star for their continued investment in our community. Expansions like these showcase that the Grand Junction area is not only a fantastic place to live but a thriving hub for business growth.”

Construction on the new hangar is expected to begin during the first quarter of 2025 with completion anticipated by the second quarter of 2026. The expansion will help meet growing demand and provide enhanced facilities that benefit West Star’s employees and customers.

West Star Aviation has long been a cornerstone of Mesa County’s economy, providing quality jobs and serving as a catalyst for economic growth. With its origins dating back to 1952 as Monarch Aviation at Walker Field (now Grand Junction Regional Airport), the company has grown into one of the top business aircraft maintenance and refurbishment facilities in the nation. Today, West Star’s Grand Junction location employs over 540 skilled professionals, offering services ranging from dedicated maintenance hangars and avionics shops to state-of-the-art painting for high-end aircraft.