Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport approves $20 million company expansion

Airport manager Terry Hart talks to those gathered in September to celebrate the start of direct service from Chattanooga to the New York area on United Airlines. Airport manager Terry Hart talks to those gathered in September to celebrate the start of direct service from Chattanooga to the New York area on United Airlines.

By Mike Pare February 21, 2017 4 min read

ABOUT WEST STAR

West Star Aviation specializes in the repair and maintenance of air frames, windows and engines, and other major modifications for private aircraft.

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport officials on Monday approved plans for a $20 million expansion by a company that works on private aircraft and expects to add about 100 more jobs.

The Airport Authority agreed to spend about $3 million to prepare the expansion site for Illinois-based West Star Aviation, which opened an aircraft repair and maintenance facility at Lovell Field in 2015.

Terry Hart, the airport’s chief executive, said West Star will triple its footprint at the airport by adding 80,000 square feet of hangar space. West Star, which now employs 55 people, also will have 32,000 square feet of support space, he said.

“We’re excited about the opportunity for them to grow,” said Hart, adding that West Star is targeting mid-2018 to have its expansion up and running.