Long-Term Growth Plan Has A Midwest And East Coast Focus

Jet charter company Pentastar Aviation has determined that its future is in the eastern half of the United States, and has decided to close its operation at Van Nuys Airport in southern California.

The company said in a news release announcing several changes that, as a result of its refined focus on expansion in the Midwest and East Coast regions, it has decided to exit its current FBO and hangar operations in Van Nuys, California (KVNY). "This transition will be done in such a way as to minimize any inconvenience to existing customers at KVNY," the company said.

The move is part of a long-term growth plan for the company. Pentastar said it has finalized an agreement to acquire Aviation Interior Solutions (AIS), a premier provider of corporate jet interior services based in Waterford, MI. AIS has a reputation for excellence among both domestic and international clientele. Gordon Ross, President of AIS, joins Pentastar as Director - Interior Operations. The acquisition of AIS expands Pentastar’s maintenance service offerings to include refurbishment and completion services, including custom solutions, innovative cabin entertainment systems and premium upholstery installations. The acquisition will be completed on January 11, 2013.
 
Pentastar’s new maintenance facility in Oxford, CT (KOXC) received FAR 145 Satellite Repair Station certification in the final days 2012. This certification allows Pentastar to offer customers a greater range of aircraft maintenance capabilities on the East Coast, with increased capacity and convenience. This new certification allows full Part 145 sign-off, enabling Pentastar to support all aspects of the business aviation market, including Part 135 aircraft, at KOXC.
 
“Pentastar’s growth continues to be driven by our loyal and expanding customer base,” said Edsel B. Ford II, Chairman and Owner, Pentastar Aviation. “We are thrilled by the addition of AIS and the craftsmanship, innovation and attention to detail represented by Gordon Ross and his AIS team of interiors professionals. Our Oxford facility is also rapidly becoming a focal point in terms of providing much needed additional maintenance capacity for us, and our new certification there will serve to accelerate our East Coast expansion.”
 
“As we continue to grow our business, we’ve realized it was time to focus our attention on our Michigan and Connecticut locations,” said Ford. “We are grateful to our many friends and associates at Van Nuys for their support over the years. All in all, it is a very exciting time at Pentastar, and we are looking forward to announcing additional developments in our continued growth during 2013.”

Los Angeles World Airport, which manages KVNY, told the Los Angeles Daily News that it is working with Pentastar's parent company BaseNet LLC on a transition plan, and that "operations at Van Nuys will not be affected." KVNY manager Jess Romo said LAWA and BaseNet were trying to come to an agreement on a new lease, but were unable to reach a deal acceptable to both parties.

FMI: www.pentastaraviation.com