West Star Aviation has completed the first installation of both the Collins Pro Line Fusion system and Collins Venue CMS system in a Challenger 604 aircraft – a first for not only West Star, but for the industry. The work was carried out at the company’s Grand Junction facility in Colorado under an STC, with operator-selected options including FANS/CPDLC, ANT B1/Link 2000+, Multiscan Weather, SXM Weather, Auto Throttle upgrade as well as a full Collins Venue CMS/IFE retrofit.
While in Grand Junction for the cockpit and cabin avionic installations, the aircraft also underwent a full cabin refurbishment, including all soft goods and all-new carbon fibre woodwork, as well as a 96-month inspection. The aircraft was returned to service after just 12 weeks.
In other West Star news, the company has broken ground on an expansion programme at its Chattanooga facility in Tennessee. The all-new hangar complex will consist of 40,000 sq ft of active hangar space and an additional 17,000 sq ft of shop and support space.
West Star has also started retrofitting one of the existing hangars to include a new design studio, customer accommodations and a near doubling of its aircraft interiors shop capacity. The complete planned expansion at the location will increase the total operational footprint from 179,828 sq ft to approximately 262,816 sq ft. The construction should be complete in less than a year, with an expected completion date of June 2023.
West Star has also opened an additional leased 19,200 sq ft hangar space and 7,000 sq ft back shop support space in Chattanooga, which will be used as a dedicated Embraer support facility. The hangar has been equipped with new LED lighting, fall protection and a completely remodelled office and lounge space. Additionally, a fuel farm tank has been added along with dedicated support to the Embraer product line.
“As an Authorized Embraer Base Maintenance facility, the new space is a welcome addition for our Embraer operators,” said Steve Goede, general manager of the facility.
