An aviation industry veteran with 39 years of experience, Medina has held leadership roles across maintenance, repair and overhaul operations, customer support, business development and international market expansion. He most recently served as senior director and general manager of Gulfstream Aerospace’s Mesa Service Center, where he was responsible for the facility’s operations, customer experience, growth and financial performance.

His previous roles include regional vice president and other senior service center operations and customer support positions with Gulfstream Aerospace, customer relations and regional leadership roles with Rolls-Royce North America, and maintenance and engineering operations leadership with American Airlines.

“Robert brings extensive MRO experience, a strong understanding of complex aviation operations and a clear commitment to the customer,” said Jim Ziegler, vice chairman of Greenwich AeroGroup. “He has built and led successful teams, strengthened important customer relationships and guided organizations through periods of growth and change. We believe he is well prepared to lead Western Aircraft into its next chapter.”

Medina holds a doctorate and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. He also holds a bachelor's degree in business accounting, an associate degree in aviation applied science from Spartan School of Aeronautics and an active FAA airframe and powerplant license.

Ziegler also recognized Shontz for his leadership and service to Western Aircraft.

“Austin has provided steady, thoughtful leadership throughout his time with Western Aircraft,” Ziegler said. “His operational experience, knowledge of the industry and commitment to our employees and customers have contributed significantly to the company’s growth. We are grateful for his many contributions and appreciate his support in helping ensure a smooth transition.”

Shontz joined Western Aircraft as vice president and general manager in September 2015. During his tenure, he led the company's MRO and FBO operations, guiding the organization through continued growth and two expansions.

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Western Aircraft has promoted Chris Chavez to senior modifications sales manager. In his expanded role, Chavez will oversee sales efforts for avionics and interior modifications.

As senior modifications sales manager, Chavez will work with aircraft owners, operators and flight departments to plan avionics upgrades and installations, as well as interior refurbishment projects. He will also work closely with Western Aircraft’s avionics, interiors and maintenance teams to support customers throughout the sales and project planning processes.

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Western Aircraft received its first designation as a heavy jet service center in 2001 and has steadily expanded its capabilities. Today, Western Aircraft supports the full range of in-service Falcon models, including the Falcon 50, 900, 2000, 7X and 8X.

Capabilities include heavy maintenance, modifications, aircraft-on-ground response, advanced avionics retrofits, integrated flight decks, connectivity solutions, over-the-counter parts and full interior retrofits, including woodwork, seating and other soft goods.

“Twenty-five years of serving Falcon operators is a significant milestone for Western Aircraft,” said Austin Shontz, vice president and general manager of Western Aircraft. “It reflects the trust Falcon owners and operators have placed in our team and the consistent quality delivered from our Boise facility. Our customers know they can count on Western Aircraft for knowledgeable support, proven expertise and the highest standards of service.”

“Western Aircraft has been our primary maintenance facility since we acquired the aircraft,” said Walter Chapman, aircraft manager and chief pilot for Mason Aviation LLC. “They combine the expertise of an authorized Falcon service center with the personal attention of a smaller shop. Their flexible, responsive team is consistently easy to work with, and Boise’s strong commercial air service makes the location especially convenient.”

Western Aircraft supports operators across the western United States, Canada and Mexico and has served more than 550 unique customers since 2001.

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As an Authorized Pilatus Sales and Service Center, Western Aircraft designates satellite service centers to extend factory-authorized maintenance and support throughout its territory. These designations provide Pilatus PC-12 owners and operators with convenient access to a network of qualified service providers closer to where they operate.

“Selecting qualified service partners is an important part of our responsibility to the Pilatus community,” said Phil Winters, vice president of aircraft sales, aircraft management and charter for Western Aircraft. “BPC-Alaska has demonstrated the experience, technical expertise and commitment to quality that led to this designation.”

BPC-Alaska has supported Pilatus aircraft in Alaska for more than five years. As an Authorized Pilatus Satellite Service Center, the facility can provide factory-authorized inspections, scheduled maintenance and warranty support through Western Aircraft's Pilatus service network.

“Our team has supported Pilatus aircraft in the region for years, and we're excited to expand our services as an Authorized Pilatus Satellite Service Center,” said Austin Bulawa, director of service for BPC-Alaska. 

The designation strengthens access to factory-authorized Pilatus maintenance throughout Western Aircraft's service territory and provides Pilatus operators in Alaska with a convenient and reliable service option.

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Western Aircraft also recognizes the retirement of Regional Sales Manager Doug Wendt, who concludes a long career in aviation sales and customer support.

“Doug’s contributions to the industry and to the customers he served have been significant,” says Kerry Heiss, director of sales for Western Aircraft. “We thank him for his years of dedication and wish him the very best in retirement.”

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The dual recertifications reflect Western Aircraft’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence and employee well-being. The company originally earned AS9110C certification in 2013 and has maintained it through rigorous, recurring audits. The standard is specifically designed for aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) organizations and is widely recognized for its strict quality management requirements.

Additionally, Western Aircraft continues to hold the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) certification, which it first received in 2006. SHARP is one of the highest safety distinctions OSHA awards small businesses, recognizing exemplary safety and health programs. Western Aircraft is one of only six companies in Idaho currently holding SHARP status.

“These certifications aren’t easy to achieve, or to keep,” said Jody Harris, Western Aircraft’s director of operations logistics. “Passing both audits again speaks to the professionalism of our team and the culture we’ve built here. Safety, quality and consistency are at the heart of everything we do.”

Western Aircraft’s long-standing participation in both programs reflects a proactive, team-driven approach to continuous improvement. The company credits its employees for leading high performance across the board, from maintenance procedures to on-the-ground safety practices.

“Being AS9110C and SHARP certified sends a clear message to our customers and our community,” Harris added. “It means we don’t just meet the standard; we raise it.”

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Mahler brings 17 years of aviation industry experience to Western Aircraft. She joins the company from Fargo Jet Center in Fargo, North Dakota, where she advanced aviation marketing initiatives while contributing operational insight through years of involvement in charter flight operations. Her expertise includes branding and design management, integrated campaigns, event strategy, social media management, communications and client engagement, all designed to drive growth across the business aviation sector.

“Kindra brings a long history of aligning marketing with operational goals in the aviation industry,” Winters said. “Her background in aviation marketing will strengthen our efforts to expand reach, drive new opportunities, and deliver value to our customers.”

“I am excited to join Western Aircraft and focus on strategies that increase visibility, support sales growth, and expand market presence,” Mahler said. “It’s a privilege to be part of a team with such a strong reputation for excellence in aircraft transactions, operations, and customer service.”

With Mahler’s appointment, Western Aircraft continues to invest in the growth of its aircraft sales, aircraft management and charter business. The company remains committed to delivering innovative solutions, deepening customer relationships, and supporting growth across its full range of aviation offerings.

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David Harsay has joined Western Aircraft as regional sales manager, supporting the MRO sales and marketing team. Harsay has accumulated over 20 years of experience in aviation sales, including 12 years at Dassault Falcon Jet and earlier roles at Cutter Aviation, Gulfstream, and Bombardier. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, he will oversee Falcon and Gulfstream MRO sales in Southern California (except San Diego County), Nevada, and Texas.

Brock Marshall has joined Western Aircraft as regional sales manager for Pilatus PC-12 and Beechcraft King Air aircraft. He possesses more than 20 years of aviation maintenance and operations experience and most recently has been serving as director of maintenance for DriveTime/Carvana. His background includes positions with Duncan Aviation, Jet Now Executive Charter, Executive Aircraft Maintenance, and Cutter Aviation. Marshall holds an FAA A&P license and multiple manufacturer maintenance certifications.

Shannon Edick has transitioned from regional sales manager to maintenance program coordinator for Pilatus PC-24 and Piper aircraft. Edick joined Western Aircraft in 2015 and has held roles as work order coordinator, planner, MRO quoter, and Pilatus maintenance sales manager. 

Matthew Rainier has been promoted to Gulfstream service manager at Western Aircraft. He previously held the position of assistant chief inspector with Western. Rainier has more than 20 years of aviation maintenance experience, including 10 years specializing in Gulfstream aircraft. His career includes leadership positions at Gulfstream Aerospace, SpaceX, Embraer, Alsalam Aerospace, and service in the U.S. Air Force and Florida Air National Guard. He holds an FAA A&P license and is completing a master’s degree in project management from Keller Graduate School of Management.

Chris Duncan has joined Western Aircraft as interior modification manager. He has 17 years of aviation industry experience, including management roles at Signature TechnicAir and HAECO Americas, and interior completions experience at Dassault Falcon Jet. Duncan’s background covers commercial, commuter, cargo, and business jet aircraft interior refurbishment, paint, and completions.

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As a large employer, the Affordable Care Act requires us to prepare a Form 1095-C for all individuals enrolled in our employer-sponsored self-insured medical plan. For the 2020 reporting year, the distribution requirements have changed, and we are no longer required to mail the form to any individual who is not a full-time employee for any month of the calendar year. However, if you were enrolled in our self-insured medical plan during the 2020 calendar year, you may request that a form be sent to you by contacting the following:

Terri Lough
Director of Human Resources
tlough@greenwichaerogroup.com
20955 Professional Plaza, Suite 330, Ashburn, VA 20147

For questions, you can call: 571-919-4049

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“We are honored to be named an Authorized Goodrich De-icing Service Center by Collins Aerospace,” said John Kochel, director of parts and logistics at Western Aircraft. “This designation reflects our dedication to providing unparalleled service and support to our customers. By joining Collins Aerospace’s expanding network of service providers, we can offer enhanced ice protection solutions that ensure safety and performance during challenging weather conditions.”

The Goodrich line of de-icing systems from Collins Aerospace has set the standard for reliability and innovation in ice protection. These products are essential for the safe and efficient operation of aircraft in icing conditions, enabling operators to maintain performance and protect their investment in high-performance aviation equipment.

Western Aircraft maintains a substantial customer base from the United States and Canada and boasts an extensive history of working on diverse types of airframes including Citation, Embraer, Falcon, Gulfstream, King Air, Pilatus, and Piper aircraft.

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