Metro East Sun

State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) welcomed four of her Senate Republican colleagues to the Metro East last week for an inside glimpse of West Star Aviation.

“West Star Aviation plays a critical role in our aeronautics industry,” said Senator Harriss. “Being able to bring together several of my Senate colleagues to learn more about their operations and see firsthand the role they play in our workforce was truly humbling.”

West Star Aviation has a nationwide network of more than 200 rapid-response aircraft experts on standby 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“Providing these tours to our elected officials gives them insight into our operations at West Star Aviation and shows them the importance of our company as they craft policies and legislation moving forward,” said Jim Swehla, West Star Aviation Co-Founder.

The campus includes maintenance hangars, interior, cabinet, and avionics shops, a state-of-the-art paint facility, and office space. West Star Aviation also offers a training program that supports young people in their community and encompasses many workforce development efforts.

Senate Republican members who were part of the tour include: Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove), Senator Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles), Senator Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorne Woods), and Senator Sally Turner (R-Beason).