Kelly Aero
Kelly Aerospace Thermal Systems (KATS) designs, certifies, and installs FAA STC-approved all-electric air conditioning and backup electrical systems for general aviation aircraft, serving OEMs (Cessna, Piper, Tecnam) and individual aircraft owners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1987
- HeadquartersMontgomery, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Kelly Aero does
Kelly Aerospace Thermal Systems (KATS, dba Kelly Aero) is a privately held US aerospace manufacturer specializing in all-electric air conditioning and backup electrical systems for general aviation aircraft. The company designs, certifies, and distributes FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approved THERMACOOL systems for the most-produced single-engine and twin piston airframes — Cessna, Piper, Cirrus, Beechcraft, Mooney, and Tecnam — and supports experimental/light-sport aircraft through its wholly owned subsidiary Flightline AC. Headquartered in Willoughby, Ohio, with a second factory installation facility in Montgomery, Alabama, KATS has been operating for nearly 20 years and serves both OEM and aftermarket channels.
The company's core product, the THERMACOOL system, is built on a 28V brushless DC motor/compressor architecture with a hermetically sealed refrigerant circuit that delivers 20+°F cabin cooling within five minutes at 55 amps peak draw. Installed system weights range from 49 to 65 pounds depending on airframe, with the Cirrus variant drawing 45 amps in normal operation. The architecture is differentiated from legacy pneumatic bleed-air systems by the absence of operational restrictions during taxi, takeoff, landing, and in-flight phases, and by a low impact on center of gravity (only 2 inches aft shift). A complementary dual-alternator backup kit (70 amps, 16 lbs, belt-driven) is sold alongside the AC system to address single-point electrical failure risk for IFR and night operators.
KATS operates a hybrid go-to-market combining factory installation at its two US facilities, a network of approved independent installers, and OEM supply relationships with Cessna, Piper, and Tecnam for factory installation on new aircraft. Revenue is generated through quote-based hardware sales (THERMACOOL units, backup alternator kits) and professional installation services. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; installation typically takes 5–7 days depending on airframe. The customer base spans aircraft manufacturers on the OEM side and individual aircraft owners/operators on the aftermarket side, with geographic operations currently concentrated in the United States.
Kelly Aero firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Kelly Aero
- Legal name
- Kelly Aerospace Thermal Systems
- Website
- https://kellyaerospace.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1987
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Kelly Aerospace Thermal Systems (KATS) designs, certifies, and installs FAA STC-approved all-electric air conditioning and backup electrical systems for general aviation aircraft, serving OEMs (Cessna, Piper, Tecnam) and individual aircraft owners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Kelly Aero industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Aircraft Air Conditioning Systems
- NAICS
- Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413), Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (333415)
- SIC
- Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Aerospace Interior Materials & Components (Cabin) (IMABANAI)
Keywords
Where Kelly Aero is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Montgomery
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Kelly Aero business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Aircraft AC System Sales: Sale of THERMACOOL all-electric aircraft air conditioning systems as FAA STC-certified products for certified aircraft models including Beechcraft, Cessna, Cirrus, Mooney, Piper, and Tecnam. Systems sold for OEM and aftermarket applications.
- Backup Alternator Kit Sales: Sale of dual alternator back-up electrical systems providing redundant power for aircraft electrical systems. Includes fully redundant 70 amp systems with dual toggle switch operation.
- Factory Installation Services: Professional installation services provided at KATS factory facilities in Willoughby, OH and Montgomery, AL. Installation typically takes 5-7 days depending on aircraft model.
- Experimental/LSA AC Systems: Support for experimental and light sport aircraft through subsidiary Flightline AC, providing custom air conditioning solutions for Lancair, Vans RV10, Comp Air, ViperJet, Epic LT, and Velocity aircraft.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | THERMACOOL AC System - Installed weight 49-65 pounds, 55 amps peak power draw, 20+ degree temperature drop in 5 minutes |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels4 records
Kelly Aero product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Kelly Aerospace Thermal Systems (KATS) designs, manufactures, and installs FAA STC-certified all-electric THERMACOOL air conditioning systems for general aviation aircraft, sold both as OEM factory options and as aftermarket retrofits. The company also sells a fully redundant backup dual alternator kit for aircraft electrical redundancy, and provides factory installation services at its Willoughby, OH and Montgomery, AL facilities.
Product overview
Kelly Aerospace Thermal Systems (KATS) designs and manufactures all-electric general aviation air conditioning systems under the THERMACOOL brand for OEM/Military and aftermarket applications. The core THERMACOOL system uses hermetically sealed brushless DC compressor technology with zero flight restrictions. The product portfolio includes aircraft-specific STC-certified AC systems for Beechcraft, Cessna, Cirrus, Mooney, Piper, and Tecnam aircraft, plus a Backup Dual Alternator Kit for electrical redundancy. Experimental and LSA support is provided through subsidiary Flightline AC. As the OEM air conditioning supplier for Cessna, Piper, Tecnam, and other manufacturers, KATS delivers FAA STC certified cooling solutions with features including ground pre-cooling, digital temperature control, and installation weights ranging from 49-65 pounds.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- THERMACOOL: Lightweight, high-performance all-electric general aviation air conditioning system featuring zero taxi, landing, takeoff, or in-flight restrictions
Products and services
- THERMACOOL All-Electric General Aviation Air Conditioning System All-electric general aviation air conditioning system using a hermetically sealed, brushless DC compressor running on 28V DC. Delivers 20+ degree F cabin temperature drop in 5 minutes, 55 amps peak/45 amps normal operation, installed weight 49-65 lbs, with zero taxi, takeoff, landing, or in-flight restrictions. Sold as FAA STC-certified retrofit and as OEM factory option.
- Aircraft Backup Electrical System (Dual Alternator Kit) Fully redundant backup electrical system providing 70 amps of backup power with dual toggle switch operation. Belt-driven, 16 lb installed weight, field installable or factory installed, no aerodynamic blister required. Often bundled with KATS air conditioning system for full electrical redundancy.
- Beechcraft Electric Air Conditioning System FAA STC certified (SA04342CH) all-electric AC system tailored for Beechcraft Baron 55, 58, and Bonanza A36 series aircraft. Provides 20+ degree F temperature drop within 5 minutes, 52 lbs installed weight, 12,000 BTU cooling capacity.
- Cessna Electric Air Conditioning System FAA STC certified all-electric AC system for Cessna 172N/P/R/S, 182Q/R/S/T, T182T, 206H, T206H, 210L/M/N/R and T210L series aircraft. 56 lbs installed weight, 55 amps peak power draw, with overhead ducted distribution and adjustable vents.
- Cirrus Electric Air Conditioning System FAA STC certified (SA04037CH) all-electric AC system for Cirrus SR20 and SR22 series aircraft. 52 lbs installed weight, 45 amps normal operation, with factory installation available at KLNN (Willoughby, OH) and KMGM (Montgomery, AL).
- Mooney Electric Air Conditioning System FAA certified all-electric AC system for Mooney M20R, S, TN, U, and V series aircraft. 65.6 lbs installed weight, 12,000 BTU cooling capacity with hermetically sealed 28V brushless DC compressor.
- Piper Electric Air Conditioning System FAA certified all-electric AC system for Piper Seminole PA44 series aircraft with center duct cooling distribution and adjustable passenger vents. KATS is the OEM AC supplier for Piper Seminole.
- Tecnam Electric Air Conditioning System FAA certified all-electric AC system for Tecnam P2010 series aircraft using 28V brushless DC motor/compressor technology. KATS is the OEM AC supplier for Tecnam.
- Experimental and LSA Aircraft Electric Air Conditioning Custom air conditioning solutions for experimental and light sport aircraft provided through subsidiary Flightline AC. Supports Lancair, Vans RV10, Comp Air, ViperJet, Epic LT, and Velocity aircraft builds.
- Factory Installation Services Professional installation of THERMACOOL AC systems and dual alternator kits performed at KATS factory facilities in Willoughby, OH (KLNN) and Montgomery, AL (KMGM). Typical installation takes 5-7 days depending on aircraft model.
Quantifiable outcome
- 20+ degree F temperature drop within 5 minutes
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Kelly Aero
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Kelly Aero technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Kelly Aero partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Flightline ACminorSubsidiary company providing experimental and LSA aircraft air conditioning support. Flightline AC handles custom applications for Lancair, Vans, Comp Air, ViperJet, Epic LT, and Velocity aircraft. Contact: [email protected], 541-330-5466.
- Cessna Aircraft CompanycoreKATS serves as OEM air conditioning supplier for Cessna aircraft including 172, 182, 206, and 210 series. Systems are FAA STC certified for Cessna aircraft models.
- Piper Aircraft Inc.coreKATS serves as OEM air conditioning supplier for Piper Seminole PA44 series aircraft with FAA STC certification.
- Tecnam AircraftcoreKATS provides OEM air conditioning systems for Tecnam P2010 series aircraft with FAA STC certification (SA04529CH dated 08-18-2021).
- Cirrus AircraftcoreKATS provides FAA STC certified (SA04037CH, Kit No. KATS-13-003) air conditioning for Cirrus SR20/SR22 series aircraft. Factory installation available at KLNN (Willoughby, OH) and KMGM (Montgomery, AL).
- Textron Aviation (Beechcraft)coreKATS provides FAA STC certified (SA04342CH) air conditioning for Beechcraft Baron 55, Baron 58, and Bonanza A36 series aircraft.
- Mooney InternationalcoreKATS provides FAA STC certified (SA04428CH dated 9-23-2019) air conditioning for Mooney M20R, S, TN, U, and V series aircraft.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Kelly Aero competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Air Comm Corporation: Direct competitor in the general aviation air conditioning and heating market, offering FAA STC-certified cabin comfort systems for similar Cessna, Beechcraft, Piper, and other GA airframes — directly comparable to KATS' THERMACOOL line on product, customer, and certification model.
- Environmental Systems Corp: Specialist in aircraft environmental control systems with both military and commercial platforms; overlaps with KATS in the niche of certified, mission-tailored cabin cooling solutions rather than full-scale commercial ECS.
Broad incumbents
- Honeywell Aerospace: Broad incumbent with the Janitrol heritage of aircraft environmental control and heating products; competes with KATS in select GA applications while dominating larger airframes, making it the largest aerospace thermal management reference point.
- Collins Aerospace: Major supplier of aircraft environmental control systems (ECS), cabin air, and thermal management across commercial, business, and military aviation; relevant incumbent in the broader thermal/cabin category where KATS plays in GA.
- Liebherr Aerospace: Established Tier-1 supplier of environmental control and thermal management systems for commercial and business aircraft; the European reference comparable for the ECS/cabin cooling category KATS occupies in smaller airframes.
Others
- Crane Aerospace & Electronics: Supplies a broad portfolio of aerospace sensing, utility, and fluid management products that touches the same buyer set (aircraft OEMs and MROs) as KATS, making it a relevant adjacent systems peer for OEM channel benchmarking.
- TransDigm Group: Holdco consolidating hundreds of sole-source aerospace components, including thermal, electrical, and cabin subsystems; relevant as an M&A and pricing-power reference for small specialty aerospace manufacturers like KATS.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Kelly Aero social profiles
Digital presenceKelly Aero financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Kelly Aero leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Kelly Aero subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Kelly Aero funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Kelly Aero M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Kelly Aero
What does Kelly Aero do?
Kelly Aerospace Thermal Systems (KATS) designs, manufactures, and installs FAA STC-certified all-electric THERMACOOL air conditioning systems for general aviation aircraft, sold both as OEM factory options and as aftermarket retrofits. The company also sells a fully redundant backup dual alternator kit for aircraft electrical redundancy, and provides factory installation services at its Willoughby, OH and Montgomery, AL facilities.
Is Kelly Aero a public or private company?
Kelly Aero is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Kelly Aero founded?
Kelly Aero was founded in 1987. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Kelly Aero based?
Kelly Aero is headquartered in Montgomery, United States, in the North America region.
How does Kelly Aero make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Aircraft AC System Sales are the primary driver. The others are backup Alternator Kit Sales, factory Installation Services and experimental/LSA AC Systems.
Who are Kelly Aero's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Air Comm Corporation and Environmental Systems Corp. Broad incumbents are Honeywell Aerospace, Collins Aerospace and Liebherr Aerospace. Others are Crane Aerospace & Electronics and TransDigm Group.
Does Kelly Aero have an API?
No public API is recorded for Kelly Aero.
What industry is Kelly Aero in?
Kelly Aero's product category is Aircraft Air Conditioning Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABANAI, Aerospace Interior Materials & Components (Cabin). Its NAICS code is 336413 and its SIC code is 3728.