West Star has announced that Michael Smith is to be its new program manager for Embraer, based at their Chattanooga, TN (CHA) facility.
Michael has 14 years of aviation experience, including eight at Embraer, where he earned his A&P through OT. While working for the Embraer demonstration team, Michael also earned his IA. He attended Embry-Riddle Worldwide for his bachelor’s degree in aviation maintenance and as of spring 2023, Michael earned his Certified Aviation Manager certification from the NBAA.
Before joining WSA, Michael was the Embraer Product Director for Jet East. He was involved with business development, managing customer accounts; providing technical support to customers, sales, and operations; and working closely with facilities to manage schedules and tooling.
“Michael’s skills and experience, along with his Embraer expertise, will contribute to West Star’s long-term goal of continuing to grow our expert teams while also providing the first-class service our valued customers are used to,” says Steve Goede, general manager (CHA).
As an industry leading MRO provider, West Star is proud to have been voted the Number One Preferred MRO for the ninth time from 2014-2021 and 2023 in Professional Pilot Magazine’s annual PRASE Survey. West Star Aviation specializes in the repair and maintenance of airframes, engines and APUs, avionics installations and repair, major modifications, interior refurbishment, exterior paint, accessory services and parts.
In addition to its primary facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; Chattanooga, TN; and Perryville, MO, West Star Aviation also maintains satellite facilities at Chicago Executive Airport in Chicago, IL; Centennial Airport in Denver, CO; Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport in Houston, TX; and Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport in Minneapolis, MN. The company also provides complete FBO services for transient aircraft at its East Alton and Grand Junction facilities, as well as AOG/MRT services worldwide.
