What AIRtec does

AIRTEC, Inc. is a U.S.-based private defense contractor founded in 1987 and headquartered at St. Mary's Airport in California, Maryland, with 51-100 employees. The company provides global airborne mission solutions to U.S. federal customers and Foreign Military Sales partner nations, operating a custom fleet of seven specially modified aircraft platforms (Basler BT-67, King Air 200T/B300/300, Caravan EX, DHC-8-202, and Baron 95-B55) configured for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), maritime patrol, telemetry, and utility missions.

The company's core capabilities span five integrated service lines: ISR Operations (contractor-owned, contractor-operated platforms with multi-spectral sensor fusion and open-architecture Mission Management), Aircraft Modification and Systems Integration (FAA-STC-certified installations of radar, EO/IR, SIGINT, communications, and SpaceX Starlink terminals), Aircraft Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (depot-level MRO supported by proprietary AERO Depot & Test Cell facilities for T700 and T53 engines), Contractor Logistics Support (end-to-end supply chain and field service in international locations), and Flight and Sensor Operations and Training (including a dedicated Maritime Patrol Aircraft Training Center and a Telemetry Center of Excellence for hypersonic and RDT&E testing). Notable proprietary technology includes the only engine test cell correlated at 8,300 ft above sea level and STC-certified Starlink integration enabling real-time ISR data transmission.

AIRTEC generates revenue primarily through professional services on multi-year U.S. government IDIQ contracts (GSA MAS, GSA ASTRO Data Operations and Aviation Pools, AFLCMC EPIC for Foreign Military Sales) and managed services for aviation sustainment, with secondary hardware-leasing revenue (e.g., the 12-month Caravan EX extension to Vantage Aviation). Customer mix is concentrated in U.S. DoD combatant commands, military branches, and federal civilian agencies (NASA, NOAA, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Marshals Service), with a long-tenure Foreign Military Sales book spanning Latin America and Africa. In October 2023 the company acquired a majority stake in Pax Aero Solutions to extend aerospace capability. The company is privately held with no disclosed parent, no institutional investment, and CEO Brian Wilkinson leads the executive team.

Name

AIRtec

Legal name

AIRTEC, Inc.

Website

https://flyairtec.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

AIRTEC is a U.S.-based private defense contractor operating a custom fleet of seven specially modified aircraft to deliver ISR operations, aircraft modification, MRO, contractor logistics, and flight/sensor training to U.S. federal agencies and Foreign Military Sales partner nations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense Aviation Services

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Aircraft Manufacturing (336411), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413), Air Transportation (481)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Aircraft (3721), Aircraft Engines & Engine Parts (3724)

akta.pro primary industry

Special-Mission Fixed-Wing Aircraft Manufacturing (ISR, AEW&C, Patrol) (IMABAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Military Avionics, Mission Computers & Flight Controls (IMABAMAE), Radar Systems & Subsystems (Airborne, Ground, Naval) (IMABAGAA), Avionics Software, Certification & Safety-Critical Systems (DO-178/DO-254) (IMABAFAK), Military Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Autonomous Aerial Platforms (IMABAMAC)

Keywords

• Airborne ISR services
• Aircraft modification integration
• Military aviation MRO
• Defense logistics support
• Flight sensor training

Headquarters

HQ city

California

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. ISR Operations and Mission Services: AIRTEC provides Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations globally, supporting U.S. and partner nation defense missions with contractor-owned, contractor-operated aircraft platforms.
2. Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO): Comprehensive MRO services including depot-level maintenance, component repair, modifications, upgrades, and service bulletin incorporation for various aircraft platforms.
3. Aircraft Modification and Systems Integration: Custom aircraft modification and systems integration services including radar, imagery, SIGINT, and communications systems installations, certified through FAA STC process.
4. Contractor Logistics Support: Comprehensive supply chain management, field service, maintenance operations, and training services for aviation sustainment in international locations.
5. Aircraft Leasing: AIRTEC provides aircraft leasing services, such as the 12-month extension for Caravan 208B EX to support Vantage Aviation's multi-state LiDAR infrastructure contract, including 101 flights totaling 280 flight hours.
6. Flight and Sensor Training: Comprehensive flight and mission training solutions utilizing a modern fleet of training assets, state-of-the-art facilities, and integrated training management systems.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

AIRTEC provides global airborne mission solutions through a custom fleet of seven specially modified aircraft, delivering Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, aircraft modification and systems integration, depot-level Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO), contractor logistics support, and flight and sensor training to U.S. military, federal agencies, Foreign Military Sales partner nations, and select commercial customers. Key turnkey solutions include the AERO Depot & Test Cell for engine overhaul and the Telemetry Center of Excellence for hypersonic testing.

Product overview

AIRTEC is a U.S.-based global airborne mission solutions provider operating a custom fleet of aircraft for security, safety, and defense missions. The product portfolio centers on integrated airborne mission solutions combining ISR Operations (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), Aircraft Modification (systems integration and airworthiness certification), Aircraft Maintenance/MRO, Contractor Logistics Support, and Flight and Sensor Operations and Training. Key solutions include the AERO Depot & Test Cell for engine repair and overhaul, MPA Training Center for maritime patrol aircraft training, and Telemetry Center of Excellence for RDT&E programs. The company operates a diverse fleet of seven modified aircraft platforms (Basler BT-67, King Air 200T, King Air B300, King Air 300, Caravan EX, DHC-8-202, and Baron 95-B55), each specially modified for long-range, results-driven customer missions. Capabilities spanISR utilizing SpaceX Starlink and modern intelligence technologies, sensor integration (radar, FLIR, LIDAR), and real-time data collection and offboarding.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ISR Operations Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations delivered globally using contractor-owned, contractor-operated aircraft platforms. Provides real-time sensor flexibility with mission-specific sensor installation capabilities for defense, government, and commercial customers.
• Aircraft Modification and Systems Integration Comprehensive modification and systems integration services ensuring airworthiness through the FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) process. Specializes in ISR integrations including radar, imagery, SIGINT, and communications systems for government and commercial customers.
• Aircraft Maintenance (MRO) Depot-level maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for multiple aircraft platforms. Includes component repair, engine maintenance, avionics, and hydraulic systems, supported by engineering and fabrication capabilities. AIRTEC completed a mission-critical C-check within 68 days for a U.S. Partner Nation program via Voyageur Aviation sub-contract.
• Contractor Logistics Support Comprehensive logistics support for aviation sustainment operations in international locations, including end-to-end supply chain management, field service, and mobile repair team deployment.
• Flight and Sensor Operations and Training Comprehensive flight and mission training solutions using a modern fleet of training assets, state-of-the-art facilities, and integrated training management systems for fixed-wing aircraft operations, serving partner nations and commercial customers.
• AERO Depot & Test Cell Aviation Engine Repair and Overhaul (AERO) Depot and Test Cell solution providing forward-deployed engine repair capability and test cell facilities for T700 and T53 engines, supporting partner nation military operations and regional sustainment strategy.
• MPA Training Center Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) Training Center providing comprehensive aircrew training, radar employment, EO/IR use, and collection techniques for partner nation capability acquisition.
• Telemetry Center of Excellence Advanced telemetry platform providing airborne/over-the-horizon telemetry coverage for RDT&E programs with phased array multi-beam tracking for hypersonic testing, up-link ranges of 100 nm to 200 nm, tracking field of view enabling up to exospheric altitudes, and real-time downlinks in L or C band.
• Aircraft Leasing Provision of leased aircraft platforms (e.g., Caravan 208B EX) to commercial customers for specialized mission use, exemplified by a 12-month lease extension for Vantage Aviation's multi-state LiDAR power grid mapping contract that completed 101 flights totaling 280 flight hours.

Quantifiable outcome

• Successfully completed 101 flights totaling 280 flight hours for LiDAR power infrastructure mapping
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers14 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

Integration1 record

AI capability3 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Pax Aero SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAIRtec Inc. acquired a majority stake in Pax Aero Solutions in October 2023 to expand aerospace capabilities. Pax Aero continues operations under existing management. The acquisition aims to leverage combined expertise to develop new aviation technologies and increase market presence.
• Owyhee Air ResearchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAIRTEC partnered with Owyhee Air Research under their U.S. Forest Service MATOC contract to provide wildfire prevention and control. AIRTEC provided program management, Part 135 quality inspections and certifications, aircraft modification, and pilot training to support Starlink installation on King Air B300.
• AMI Aviation Services (AeroMech subsidiary)coreTechnology or IntegrationAMI Aviation Services, a subsidiary of AeroMech, successfully issued Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for Starlink installation in all King Air series aircraft in March 2024. They helped design, engineer, relocate, and remanufacture components to accommodate the Starlink install.
• SpaceX (Starlink)coreTechnology or IntegrationAIRTEC integrates SpaceX Starlink technology on multiple aircraft platforms including King Air B300, BT-67, and Caravan EX. Starlink delivers advanced, high-speed, low-latency internet enabling real-time data transmission for wildfire and ISR missions.
• Vantage AviationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAIRTEC partnered with Vantage Aviation to provide Caravan 208B EX aircraft platform supporting large-scale, multi-state LiDAR power grid mapping. Successfully completed 101 flights totaling 280 flight hours. AIRTEC's aircraft capability complements Vantage Aviation's operational leadership.
• Voyageur AviationminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAIRTEC sub-contracted maintenance work to Voyageur Aviation for mission-critical C-check supporting U.S. Partner Nation program. Voyageur completed 100% of Non-Routine Items (NRIs) returning aircraft to service within 68 days. Voyageur has extensive engineering and maintenance capabilities on several fixed-wing aircraft series.
• WoolpertminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a customer/organization AIRTEC serves. Woolpert is a geospatial firm that may partner with AIRTEC for aerial mapping and data collection missions.
• Technology Service Corp (TSC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a customer/organization AIRTEC serves. TSC is a technology services company potentially involved in ISR and defense technology programs.
• Jet NassauminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as a customer/organization AIRTEC serves in global operations. Jet Nassau is an aviation services company.
• Marine Spill Response Corp (MSRC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a customer/organization AIRTEC serves. MSRC is a nonprofit organization providing response capabilities for marine oil spills and hazardous material incidents.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• MAG Aerospace: MAG Aerospace operates contractor-owned, contractor-operated special-mission aircraft for ISR, intelligence, and aerial firefighting, with a global FMS presence — directly comparable to AIRTEC's COCO ISR fleet and partner-nation support model.
• Sierra Nevada Corporation: Sierra Nevada Corporation modifies fixed-wing platforms for ISR and special missions, integrating radar, SIGINT, and EO/IR sensors under FAA STC processes — closely overlapping with AIRTEC's aircraft modification and systems integration capability.
• Vertex Aerospace: Vertex Aerospace provides worldwide aviation MRO, contractor logistics support, and modification services for military and government customers — directly comparable to AIRTEC's depot-level MRO, logistics, and modification offerings.
• Dynamic Aviation: Dynamic Aviation operates a large contractor-owned modified aircraft fleet providing ISR, aerial firefighting, and special-mission services to U.S. government and partner nations — a direct comparator to AIRTEC's COCO model on King Air and similar platforms.

Broad incumbents

• L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris is a large incumbent in airborne ISR sensors, avionics, and integrated mission systems for defense customers. AIRTEC competes (and integrates) against L3Harris subsystems on its ISR fleet while serving many of the same government end users.
• Leidos: Leidos is a major defense prime delivering ISR operations, aviation integration, and sustainment services across U.S. DoD and intelligence community contracts. It competes with AIRTEC on COCOM ISR and aviation services task orders at a larger scale.
• CACI International: CACI provides ISR, signals intelligence, and specialized defense services to U.S. military and intelligence agencies. It competes for COCOM and special-mission ISR work in adjacent markets to AIRTEC's contractor-owned aircraft operations.
• Amentum: Amentum is a large government services contractor offering aviation MRO, ISR support, and FMS logistics across defense customers. It overlaps AIRTEC's contractor logistics, sustainment, and MRO service lines at broader scale.
• ManTech International: ManTech (now part of ManTech-Gray) provides ISR, mission operations, and aviation-related technical services to DoD and intelligence customers — an adjacent incumbent competing on ISR and mission-support task orders.

Others

• Cobham Aerospace Communications: Cobham supplies airborne SATCOM and communications subsystems that AIRTEC integrates (e.g., Cobham SATCOM on Basler BT-67). It is a key supplier/enabler rather than a direct competitor, but their products define AIRTEC's integrated mission capability.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/airtec-inc

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A1 record

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about AIRtec