What Wipaire Inc. does

Wipaire Inc. is a family-owned aviation company founded in 1960 and headquartered at Fleming Field in South St. Paul, Minnesota. The company manufactures the Wipline line of aircraft floats (Models 2100 through 13000) supporting aircraft ranging from Piper Cubs to Viking Twin Otters in both seaplane and amphibious configurations, and produces the Fire Boss amphibious aerial firefighting scooping system for AirTractor 802 aircraft, with 200+ units operating globally. Wipaire's underlying technology rests on a proprietary metal bonding technique co-developed with 3M in the 1960s that reduces rivet usage and produces lighter, smoother floats, supplemented by over 100 FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) modifications covering engine upgrades, propeller systems, gross weight increases, interiors, and performance enhancements.

The business model combines one-time hardware sales (floats, modification kits, Fire Boss systems, parts) with recurring revenue from FAA-certified maintenance, repair, and overhaul services at the South St. Paul facility, plus transaction fees from aircraft brokerage and FBO fuel and storage income. Distribution runs primarily direct from headquarters, supplemented by authorized installation and service centers in Europe and Australia. Customer segments include private aircraft owners converting to seaplanes, commercial aviation operators (Cessna Caravan and Twin Otter fleets), and aerial firefighting agencies. Distribution channels include trade shows (EAA AirVenture, NBAA-BACE, Seaplane-a-Palooza), a Salesforce/Pardot-driven email marketing program, Google remarketing, and direct enterprise field sales.

Wipaire maintains strategic partnerships with Hartzell Propeller (Yukon and Trailblazer propeller co-development), Cessna/Textron Aviation, Viking Aircraft Engines, and Lycoming Engines, supporting authorized service center status across multiple OEMs. The company operates three wholly-owned subsidiaries: Fire Boss (aerial firefighting), AFTL (Advanced Flight Training & Leasing), and Lake and Air (pilot supplies). Across three generations of Wiplinger family leadership, the company has grown from a single float manufacturer into a comprehensive aviation services provider with over 100 STC modifications and a global customer footprint spanning North America, Europe, and Australia.

Name

Wipaire Inc.

Legal name

Wipaire Inc.

Website

https://wipaire.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1960

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Wipaire Inc. is a family-owned South St. Paul, Minnesota-based aviation company founded in 1960 that manufactures the world's largest line of aircraft floats (Wipline series), the Fire Boss aerial firefighting system, and over 100 STC-certified modifications for general aviation, commercial operators, and government firefighting agencies worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

South Saint Paul

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Aircraft Float Sales: Sale of Wipline aircraft floats ranging from Model 2100 (for light aircraft) to Model 13000 (for Twin Otter). One-time hardware sales with installation through authorized centers.
2. Aircraft Maintenance and Repair Services: FAA certified repair station providing airframe & engine services, annual inspections, borescope inspections, PT6A compressor washes, structural repairs. Services offered at South St. Paul facility.
3. Aircraft Modification Services: Installation of STC-certified modifications including engine upgrades, gross weight increases, propeller upgrades, interior modifications. Revenue from both parts and labor.
4. Fire Boss Aerial Firefighting System: Sale of Fire Boss amphibious scooping system for AirTractor 802 aircraft. Includes ongoing support and upgrades for firefighting fleet operators.
5. Aircraft Sales and Acquisitions: Brokerage service helping customers buy and sell aircraft including Caravans, Huskies, Cubs, and Cessna 206s. Commission-based revenue.
6. Parts Sales: New parts sales, used equipment sales, and service kits for float maintenance and repairs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Wipaire designs, manufactures, and installs Wipline aircraft floats (Models 2100 through 13000) for converting land aircraft into seaplanes and amphibians. The company delivers 100+ FAA STC-certified aircraft modifications, the Fire Boss amphibious aerial firefighting scooper system, STC-certified interiors (Aurora and Twin Otter Executive), engine and propeller upgrades, and FAA-certified aircraft maintenance, avionics, paint, and FBO services. Distribution runs through its South St. Paul headquarters and authorized service centers in Europe and Australia.

Product overview

Wipaire Inc. is the world's largest manufacturer of aircraft floats, offering a comprehensive portfolio of aviation products and services centered around its core Wipline Floats product line. The company manufactures multiple float models (2100, 2350, 3000, 3450, 6100, 8750, 10000, 13000) supporting aircraft from Piper Cub to Viking Twin Otter, available in both seaplane and amphibious configurations. Beyond floats, Wipaire produces the Fire Boss aerial firefighting amphibious scooping system for AirTractor aircraft. The company also engineers over 100 Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) modifications including engine upgrades (Blackhawk XP140, IO-550D), propeller systems (Yukon Propeller with Hartzell), interior packages (Aurora for Caravan, Executive Interior for Twin Otter), weight increase modifications, and performance enhancements (Wing-X STOL, Micro Vortex Generators, Sportsman STOL Kit). As a full-service aviation company, Wipaire provides maintenance, avionics, custom paint refinishing (award-winning), aircraft sales and acquisitions, and FBO services from its South St. Paul, Minnesota facility.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Fire Boss: Aerial firefighting amphibious scooping system installed on AirTractor 802A and 802AF aircraft. Over 200 Fire Boss operate worldwide as initial response air tankers fighting fires.
• AFTL (Advanced Flight Training & Leasing)
• Lake and Air
• Aurora Interior
• Wipline Floats

Products and services

• Wipline Floats (Models 2100, 2350, 3000, 3450, 6100, 8750, 10000, 13000) Full line of seaplane and amphibious aircraft floats in eight models spanning light aircraft (Piper Cub) to heavy utility aircraft (Viking Twin Otter). Models feature a flat top deck design for safe aircraft access and include the proprietary metal bonding technique developed with 3M for smoother, lighter, structurally stronger floats. Sold to commercial operators, government agencies, and private aircraft owners through direct sales and authorized installation centers in Europe and Australia.
• Fire Boss Amphibious Aerial Firefighting System Single-engine amphibious scooping system installed on AirTractor 802A and 802AF aircraft. Used as initial response air tankers by government agencies and private operators worldwide. The system allows amphibious water scooping from lakes, rivers, and other sources for rapid aerial firefighting deployment. Over 200 Fire Boss aircraft are in operation globally.
• Yukon Propeller by Wipaire and Hartzell Propeller Full composite four-blade propeller (110 inch diameter, 137 lbs) engineered by Wipaire in partnership with Hartzell Propeller for wheeled and floated Cessna Caravan 208 & 208B aircraft. Reduces take-off distances by up to 31% on water and 26% on land. Includes multiple international certifications (FAA, EASA, Brazil, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia).
• Fire Boss Introduction Entry milestone for the Fire Boss aerial firefighting platform. Today operating 200+ units worldwide as initial response air tankers.
• Aurora Interior for Cessna Caravan Series Premium custom interior package for Cessna Caravan (208 and 208B Grand Caravan) with top grain leather upholstery, full function swivel and recline seats, hand-crafted cabinetry, refreshment cabinets, and ten finish packages (Como, McKenzie, Eden, Buenos Aires, Bimini, Rainy, Magic, Hood, Canyon, Gull). Available in multiple seating configurations.
• Twin Otter Executive Interior (STC SA02808CH) FAA STC-certified executive interior conversion for de Havilland Twin Otter. Features top-grain leather seats, decorative lower sidewall fabric, veneer accent, and hydro pattern cabinets. Available in Double Club (8 passengers) and Single Rows (8 passengers) seating configurations.
• Wing-X STOL Wing Extensions STC-certified wing tip extensions for Cessna 180, 182, and 185 aircraft. Increases flight performance by up to 30% and gross takeoff weight by 50 to 400 lbs depending on the model. Sold and installed by Wipaire as an authorized distributor and installation center.
• Blackhawk XP140 Engine Upgrade STC-certified engine upgrade replacing the Cessna Caravan's PT6A-114/114A with the PT6A-140 powerplant. Available for both wheeled and floated configurations. Provides improved safety margins, faster cruise speed, and improved climb performance for commercial operators.
• IO-550D Engine Upgrade STC-certified engine upgrade for Cessna 185 delivering 300 horsepower. Provides 8-10% better torque, 150-175 points of additional thrust for seaplanes, 8-10% increased cruise speed, and 8-10% shorter take-off compared to a standard 520 engine. Offers a quieter ride with max continuous operation at 300 HP.
• Aircraft Payload Extender (APE) III STC-approved landing gear modification for Cessna Caravan 208 manufactured under FAA PMA. Replaces the life-limited main landing gear axle with an improved high-cycle axle, increasing maximum landing weight from 7,800 lb to 8,362 lb and maximum takeoff weight from 8,000 lb to 8,362 lb. Boosts payload capacity for commercial operations.
• Single Point Fueling System STC-approved single point fueling modification for Cessna 208 and 208B enabling simpler, safer, and faster fuel stops. Compatible with G1000 or resistive fuel systems. Installation adds 42-54 lbs depending on configuration.
• Hartzell Trailblazer Propeller Upgrade Carbon fiber propeller upgrade for Cessna 185 models with the IO-550-D engine (Wipaire STC SA1522GL). 82 inch diameter with field-replaceable nickel cobalt leading edge. 14.6 lbs lighter than the Hartzell metal 80 inch propeller it replaces. Improves performance and durability.
• Ice Shield De-Ice Systems Installation service for Ice Shield pneumatic de-icing boot systems on aircraft including wings, tail, and propeller surfaces. Wipaire is an approved installation center.
• Flint Auxiliary Fuel Tanks Auxiliary fuel tanks for Cessna aircraft that extend range, reduce engine wear from additional fuel stops, and provide reserve capacity for safety margin. Sold and installed by Wipaire as a distributor and installation center for Flint Aero.
• Gross Weight Increase to 9,187 lbs on Wipline 8750 Floats STC modification that increases the Cessna Grand Caravan's gross weight to 9,187 lbs when on Wipline 8750 floats. Adds 125 lbs of useful load. Available for the Grand Caravan EX and Blackhawk XP140 converted aircraft.
• Gross Weight Increase to 8,360 lbs STC modification increasing Cessna 208 gross weight on wheels or Wipline 8000 floats to 8,360 lb. Allows one or two additional passengers on the aircraft manifest.
• Micro Vortex Generators Small aluminum blades placed aft of the leading edge of wings and tail surfaces. By creating vortices that energize the boundary layer, they improve performance and control authority at low airspeeds. Suitable for a range of light and utility aircraft.
• Sportsman STOL Kit Wing cuff modification that increases light plane utility and safety. Improves wing efficiency and resistance to stalls and spins, nearly doubling the lift coefficient and increasing glide ratio from 7:1 to 13:1 on the Cessna 170B.
• Boarding Ladder and Steps Boarding ladder for amphibious Caravan allowing ground-level passenger boarding. Features four wide steps with extending handrails (40 to 69 inch range), aluminum construction, and non-slip treads. Includes the Easy Way Amphib Steps variant.
• Wipaire Extended Baggage Extended baggage assembly for Cessna 208 or 208B Caravan (with or without floats). Single piece construction for easy removal, available with doors or cargo net closure, with custom finishes that match the aircraft interior.
• Twin Otter Modifications A suite of modifications for de Havilland Twin Otter aircraft including Hartzell 3-Blade Prop and Spinner kits and -34 Engine/750 HP conversions. Available for both land and seaplane configurations.
• Boss 182 - Lycoming IO-580 Engine Conversion by Wipaire FAA STC-approved engine conversion for Cessna 182 that installs a Lycoming IO-580 powerplant along with associated gross weight increases. Part of Wipaire's Boss series of approved engine conversions.
• Wipline 7000 Amphibious Float Wipline 7000 amphibious float designed for the Quest KODIAK. STC-certified June 11, 2010 after a 287-test-flight certification program totaling 162 flying hours. Sold alongside STC engineering and installation services.
• Wipline 8750 Floats Wipline 8750 is a float model for Cessna 208 Caravan (and 208B Grand Caravan variants), replacing the Wipline 8000 after 25 years in production. Provides improved rough water handling qualities and a redesigned main gear system compared with the prior generation.
• Wipline 6000 Float for de Havilland Beaver Wipline 6000 float designed for de Havilland Beaver aircraft. Introduced as Wipaire's entry into the utility-class bush aircraft float market in 1982.
• Wipline 8000 Floats Wipline 8000 float for the Cessna Caravan platform, introduced in 1988 and produced for 25 years before being succeeded by the Wipline 8750 in 2012.
• Wipline 13000 Floats Wipline 13000 is the largest Wipline float, certified on the de Havilland Twin Otter in 1992. Designed for the heaviest utility aircraft supported by the Wipaire float product line.
• Aircraft Maintenance, Restoration, and Repair Services FAA certified repair station services (#RJWR390K) covering airframe and engine maintenance for Cessna, de Havilland Beaver/Otter/Twin Otter, Viking Twin Otter, Maule, Quest KODIAK, and Air Tractor aircraft. Services include annual inspections, borescope inspections, PT6A compressor washes, structural repairs, and modification installations.
• Avionics Sales, Service, and Repair Sales, installation, upgrade, and repair services for general aviation avionics. Offers a full range of avionics solutions for various aircraft types including Garmin G1000 systems and other electronics.
• Custom Paint Refinishing Custom aircraft paint services including stripping, custom designs, and float matching. Award-winning refinishing shop with multiple Gold Lindy Awards (EAA AirVenture) and Grand Champion Seaplane awards (Sun 'n Fun, 2012 and 2014). Accommodates aircraft from single-engine to Twin Otters.
• FBO Services at Fleming Field Fixed Base Operator services at Wipaire's South St. Paul / Fleming Field (KSGS) location. Includes Jet A, 100LL, and Premium fueling; aircraft detailing; indoor and outdoor storage; crew cars; GPU/battery cart; and hotel arrangements. Line service operates Monday-Friday 6:30am-5:30pm and Saturday 7:30am-4:00pm.
• Aircraft Sales and Acquisitions Brokerage Brokerage service helping customers buy and sell aircraft including Cessna Caravans, Aviat Huskies, Piper Cubs, and Cessna 206s. Operates on a commission basis across Wipaire's used aircraft listings.

Quantifiable outcome

• Fire Boss reduces take-off distances by up to 31% on water and 26% on land when equipped with Yukon Propeller
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Hartzell PropellercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration to develop and manufacture the Yukon Propeller - a full composite four-blade propeller for Cessna Caravan 208 & 208B aircraft. Wipaire engineered and developed the propeller in partnership with Hartzell Propeller. Certified by FAA, EASA, Brazil, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia.
• Hartzell PropellercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Hartzell Trailblazer Propeller Upgrade for Cessna 185 models with IO-550-D engine. Carbon fiber construction propeller offering improved performance and durability.
• Cessna (Textron Aviation)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAuthorized Cessna Caravan & Single Engine Service Station. Certified to perform maintenance, repair, and installations on Cessna aircraft. Provides pre-buy inspections and modification installation.
• Viking Aircraft EnginescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerViking Factory Endorsed Service Centre for Twin Otter 400 series. Authorized to perform maintenance, repairs, and installation of twin otter modifications.
• Lycoming EnginescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAuthorized Service Center for Lycoming Engines - 6th service center approved in the United States. Trained to perform repairs on Lycoming iE2 Integrated Electronic Series engines and new IO-233-LSA Light Sport Engine.
• WingX STOLminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor and installation center for Wing X STOL tip extensions for Cessna 180, 182, and 185 aircraft. Increases flight performance by up to 30% and gross takeoff weight by 50-400 lbs.
• Ice ShieldminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerApproved Ice Shield de-icing systems installation center. Wipaire installs de-ice boot systems for aircraft.
• Flint AerominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor and installation center for Flint auxiliary fuel tanks for Cessna aircraft. Tanks extend aircraft range and reduce engine wear from additional fuel stops.
• 3McoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistorical partnership in the 1960s with 3M to develop proprietary metal bonding technique. Worked with 3M experts to develop technology that allowed fewer rivets and smoother, lighter floats. Took 3 years and $8,000 to patent.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Aerocet: Aerocet manufactures composite seaplane floats for Cessna aircraft (182, 185, 206, Caravan), directly competing with Wipaire's aluminum Wipline product line. Comparable as the most credible alternative float manufacturer serving the same private aircraft owner and commercial operator segments.
• Blackhawk Modifications: Blackhawk develops and certifies PT6A engine upgrade STCs for the Cessna Caravan (XP140 and similar), competing head-to-head with Wipaire's IO-550D and engine performance modification offerings. Serves the same Caravan operator base with overlapping performance upgrade use cases.
• LoPresti Speed Merchants: LoPresti produces STC-certified speed modifications, engine cowlings, and landing light systems for general aviation aircraft, competing in the same performance-modification aftermarket Wipaire serves. Distributed through similar channels and sold into overlapping Cessna and GA owner segments.
• Hartzell Propeller: Hartzell is a leading propeller OEM that both partners with Wipaire on the Yukon Propeller and competes in the propeller upgrade STC space (Trailblazer, etc.). Comparable in selling certified propeller upgrades into the Cessna and GA aftermarket Wipaire serves.
• Air Tractor: Air Tractor manufactures the 802A and 802AF aircraft platform that Wipaire's Fire Boss system is installed on — making it both a supplier partner and a peer in the aerial firefighting aircraft ecosystem. Comparable as the OEM enabling Wipaire's flagship Fire Boss product line.

Broad incumbents

• Textron Aviation (Cessna): Cessna manufactures the Caravan, 182, 185, 206, and other platforms that anchor Wipaire's modification and float business. Functions both as an OEM partner (authorized service station relationship) and as a broad incumbent whose platforms define Wipaire's addressable market.
• Viking Air: Viking manufactures the Twin Otter Series 400 and supports legacy de Havilland aircraft that Wipaire modifies with floats (Wipline 13000) and executive interiors. Comparable as the OEM incumbent whose aircraft platforms underpin Wipaire's large-float and Twin Otter modification STC business.
• De Havilland Canada: De Havilland Canada is the original Twin Otter and Beaver manufacturer, supporting the legacy fleet Wipaire modifies with floats and STC upgrades (e.g., Wipaire Super Beaver, Boss Beaver). Comparable as the broad incumbent OEM whose platforms drive Wipaire's large-float business.

Emerging players

• Quest Aircraft (Daher Kodiak): Quest Aircraft (now Daher Kodiak) manufactures the Kodiak single-engine turboprop for which Wipaire developed the Wipline 7000 Amphibious Float STC after a 3-year/287-flight certification program. Comparable as a focused STOL/utility aircraft OEM whose product Wipaire modifies.
• CubCrafters: CubCrafters designs and manufactures the Carbon Cub, XCub, and Top Cub light aircraft that Wipaire supports with float compatibility, MRO, and modifications. Comparable as a niche backcountry/utility aircraft OEM whose fleet overlaps Wipaire's small-float segment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/wipaire-inc-174103781773
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/wipaire-inc-
• Instagraminstagram.com/wipaire

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Wipaire Inc.