West Star Aviation Acquires Jet East from Gama Aviation
Category:NewsThe maintenance, repair and overhaul companies value the deal at some $100 million
West Star Aviation has concluded its planned acquisition of fellow MRO and managed fleet provider Jet East, some three weeks after Jet East owner Gama Aviation and West Star private equity owner Sterling Group conditionally agreed to the deal at last month’s NBAA Convention in Las Vegas. Although Jet East’s enterprise value totaled $131 million, proceeds to Gama Aviation amount to some $100 million.
Jet East provides MRO services and supports fractional and managed fleet operators. Capabilities include an “expansive” AOG mobile repair technician network, line maintenance operations, heavy maintenance facilities, and other complementary services. Gama Aviation has provided MRO services in the U.S. since 2012, and in 2020 Wheels Up acquired Gama Aviation’s aircraft management business. In January 2021, Gama Aviation purchased Jet East for $11.9 million.
“Both West Star and Jet East are remarkable companies with strong and unique cultures,” said Jim Rankin, CEO of West Star Aviation. “I’m looking forward to bringing the Jet East and West Star teams together as we build the premier business aviation maintenance provider in the industry. Our focus now is to use this combination to better serve our customers and support our employees.”
In a statement, West Star stressed that customers and vendors should expect no change while leaders of each organization work together on longer-term integration planning.
