West Star Aviation Acquires Jet East from Gama Aviation

The Sterling Group Acquires West Star Aviation from Norwest Equity Partners

March 2, 2022

Aerospace & Defense

The Sterling Group, a middle-market private equity firm, has completed the acquisition of West Star Aviation from Norwest Equity Partners. West Star is a leading independent provider of MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) services to the business aviation industry with primary locations in East Alton, Illinois; Grand Junction, Colorado; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Perryville, Missouri.

Greenbriar Equity Group Acquires West Star Aviation from The Sterling Group

May 21, 2025

Aerospace & Defense

Funds managed by Greenbriar Equity Group have acquired West Star Aviation, a leading business aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider, from The Sterling Group. Financial terms were not disclosed; Greenbriar said it will leverage its aviation aftermarket experience to accelerate West Star's growth and enhance its service capabilities across the company's national facilities and AOG technician network.

GE Aerospace Acquires Northstar Aerospace from Wynnchurch Capital

June 26, 2025

Manufacturing

Wynnchurch Capital has sold Northstar Aerospace, a Bedford Park, Illinois-based manufacturer of flight-critical and non-flight-critical aircraft parts, to GE Aerospace. Northstar produces complex components such as gears, housings, assemblies and shafts for helicopter transmission systems; Vedder Price provided legal counsel to Wynnchurch and Lincoln International and Moelis & Company served as financial advisors.

Wheels Up Acquires Gama Aviation LLC (Gama Aviation Signature)

March 2, 2020

Transportation

Wheels Up completed the acquisition of Gama Aviation LLC (d/b/a Gama Aviation Signature) on March 2, 2020, bringing Gama’s aircraft management and private charter operations into Wheels Up’s owned and managed fleet. The deal integrates Gama’s Part 135 operator capabilities and personnel to expand Wheels Up’s aircraft management, charter offerings and overall operational footprint while retaining Gama operations in Shelton, Connecticut.

Vista Global Holding Acquires Jet Edge

March 31, 2022

Transportation

Vista Global Holding has acquired Jet Edge, a leading U.S. large-cabin and super-midsize private jet charter, management and maintenance platform, expanding Vista's North American footprint and growing its fleet by roughly 100 aircraft. As part of the transaction, XOJET Aviation will acquire a majority stake in certain Part 135 certificates (Jet Select and Western Air Charter), and more than 800 Jet Edge employees and maintenance infrastructure (including a Part 145 facility) will join the Vista group.

STS Aviation Services Acquires GT Engine Services

May 28, 2024

Aerospace & Defense

STS Aviation Services, a division of STS Aviation Group, has acquired UK-based engine MRO specialist GT Engine Services. The May 28, 2024 deal adds engine maintenance, repair and management capabilities to STS's existing airframe and materials services; founder and previous owner Greg Macleod will remain in a leadership role reporting to STS Europe management.