Flightstar

What Flightstar does

Flightstar Corporation, founded in December 1978, operates a full-service Fixed Base Operator (FBO) and FAA Part 145-certified Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the University of Illinois-Willard Airport (KCMI) in Savoy, Illinois. The company is privately held by its co-founder and President, William Giannetti, and operates from approximately 195,000 square feet of combined hangar (137,000+ sq ft heated) and office space, including a 33,000 sq ft 24/7/365 airline maintenance hangar and the newly completed Hangar 11 (February 2025). Headcount stands at 160+ employees, and the company is the only FBO operating at KCMI since its founding.

The company serves three primary customer segments: business aviation operators (corporate aircraft owners and operators), regional airlines (notably Embraer ERJ 145 and ERJ 170/175 operators using Willard Airport), and private jet travelers seeking charter services. Its service portfolio is organized into three pillars: (1) Aircraft Maintenance & MRO, including Challenger and Learjet maintenance as a Bombardier Authorized Service Facility, Honeywell Authorized Service Center engine work for TFE731/HTF7000/APU, structural repair, in-house NDT (Eddy Current, Ultrasonic, Radiographic, Penetrant, Magnetic Particle testing), and airline line maintenance; (2) Avionics, including proprietary FAA Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for Learjet 40/45/70/75 covering ADS-B, WAAS FMS, CPDLC, Gogo AVANCE L5/L3 Wi-Fi, SCN 1002.X FMS upgrades, DU-875 display replacements, and ALTO Cadence CMS installations, plus equipment from Garmin (Platinum Dealer), Universal Avionics, Honeywell, and Gogo; and (3) Charter, FBO & Management, providing worldwide private jet charter on a Global 7500, Challenger 3500, and Learjet 45/75 fleet, fixed-base operations including Avfuel fuel sales and U.S. Customs clearance, and full-service aircraft management since 1978.

Flightstar monetizes through professional services (maintenance labor and inspections), hardware sales (avionics equipment and STC kits sold to other operators), charter flight hours, fuel and ramp transactions, and managed services. Key OEM partnerships (Bombardier ASF since 2012, Honeywell ASC, Garmin Platinum Dealer, Universal Avionics, Gogo Business Aviation, ALTO Aviation, Elliott Technologies, Avfuel, Cessna authorized independent NDI facility) and regulatory credentials (FAA Part 145, EASA, TCCA, ANAC) function as both distribution channels and switching costs. The customer base spans the U.S., U.K., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Australia, South Africa, China, Japan, and the UAE, anchored operationally at a single Midwestern airport.

Name

Flightstar

Legal name

Flightstar Corporation

Website

https://flightstar.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Flightstar is an FAA Part 145-certified FBO and MRO facility provider at University of Illinois-Willard Airport delivering aircraft maintenance, avionics, charter, FBO, and aircraft management services to business aviation operators, regional airlines, and private jet travelers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aviation MRO and FBO Services

NAICS

Other Support Activities for Air Transportation (48819), Airport Operations (48811), Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation (481211)

SIC

Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Air Transportation, Nonscheduled (4522), Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)

akta.pro primary industry

Airframe Maintenance & Structural Repair (Line/Base) (TLAKAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Aircraft Management & Part 135/135-equivalent Operators (THABAFAD), Avionics & Electronics Repair (Bench Repair) (IMABALAE), Ground Handling (Ramp, Baggage, Turnaround) (THABAIAC)

Keywords

• Aviation MRO services
• Aircraft maintenance repair
• Avionics installation service
• FBO fuel hangar
• Private jet charter

Headquarters

HQ city

Savoy

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Aircraft Maintenance Services: FAA Part 145 certified maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for business aircraft including scheduled inspections, unscheduled maintenance, and heavy maintenance events
2. Avionics Sales and Service: Avionics equipment sales, installation, troubleshooting, and STC development for various aircraft platforms
3. Aircraft Charter Services: Worldwide private jet charter using company fleet of Global 7500, Challenger 3500, and Learjet 45/75 aircraft
4. FBO Services: Fixed Base Operations including fuel sales (Avfuel), hangar space, ramp services, de-icing, cargo handling, and passenger services
5. Interior and Exterior Services: Aircraft interior modifications, refinishing, cabin lighting (PRIZM), Smart Vision Shades, and aircraft detailing
6. Aircraft Management: Aircraft management services including scheduling, flight coordination, crew services, maintenance tracking, and charter revenue management

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Flightstar is a full-service aviation services company operating as the only Fixed Base Operator (FBO) and FAA Part 145-certified Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the University of Illinois-Willard Airport (KCMI) in Savoy, Illinois since 1978. The company provides scheduled and unscheduled aircraft maintenance, engine service, structural repair, non-destructive testing (NDT), avionics sales and installation with proprietary STC development, worldwide private jet charter on Global 7500/Challenger 3500/Learjet aircraft, aircraft management, and aircraft interior modifications under one roof.

Product overview

Flightstar is an FAA Part 145 Repair Station and full-service aviation services company operating at the University of Illinois-Willard Airport (KCMI) in Savoy, Illinois since 1978. Its portfolio is organized into three main service pillars: (1) Aircraft Maintenance & MRO — encompassing Challenger Maintenance, Learjet Maintenance, Engine Service, Structures, NDT, and Airline Services, supported by Bombardier ASF and Honeywell ASC certifications; (2) Avionics — including ADS-B/WAAS Solutions, Wi-Fi Solutions (Gogo AVANCE), CPDLC, SCN FMS Upgrades, DU-875 Display Upgrades, SAM (MD-302 Standby Attitude Module), and ALTO Cadence CMS; and (3) Charter & FBO — providing private aircraft charter on Global 7500, Challenger 3500, and Learjet 45/75, plus aircraft management and FBO services. Additional offerings include Interiors (cabin reconfiguration, LED lighting, WiFi, entertainment), PRIZM Cabin Lighting and Smart Vision Shades (via Elliott Technologies), AeroLoc Magnetic Flooring, and Aviation Medical Examiner services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Aircraft Maintenance Services FAA Part 145-certified aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services covering scheduled inspections, unscheduled maintenance, troubleshooting, and heavy maintenance events for business and corporate aviation operators.
• Challenger Maintenance FAA-certified maintenance for Bombardier Challenger 300/350/3500 and 604/605 series, including hourly inspections, heavy maintenance, avionics troubleshooting, and service bulletin compliance.
• Learjet Maintenance FAA-certified maintenance as a Bombardier Authorized Service Facility for Learjet 45 and 75 series, including phase inspections (A, B, C, D), service bulletin compliance, and engine coordination.
• Engine Service Honeywell Authorized Line Service Center for TFE731 series, HTF7000, and Honeywell APU, offering on-wing and off-wing engine maintenance, vibration analysis, fan balance, and engine R&R.
• Structures Structural repair and modification services including corrosion removal, inlet repairs, airframe structure repair, sheet metal fabrication, control surface repairs, and airframe modifications.
• NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) In-house NDT department capable of on-site Eddy Current, Ultrasonic, Radiographic, Penetrant, and Magnetic Particle inspections for Learjet, Global, and Challenger aircraft.
• Airline Services General overnight maintenance and deferral clearing for air carriers serving Champaign (CMI), operating 24/7/365 from a 33,000 sq ft hangar, with over 1,000 Rolls-Royce AE 3007 engine changes completed.
• Avionics Full avionics sales and service including STC development, communication, navigation, pulse, autopilot installation, servicing, and repair for all aircraft types and sizes.
• ADS-B / WAAS Solutions ADS-B OUT STC (ST04064CH) and WAAS FMS with LPV Monitor STC (ST04061CH) for Bombardier Learjet 40 and 45, with international approvals including EASA.
• Wi-Fi Solutions (Gogo AVANCE) Inflight Wi-Fi solutions including Gogo AVANCE L5 and L3 installation STCs for Learjet 40/70 series, with Wi-Fi compatibility and T-PED certification.
• CPDLC Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) STC (ST04421CH) for Learjet 40/45, providing CPDLC DCL, ATN B1, and FANS 1/A+ capabilities.
• SCN 1002.3 — FMS Upgrade STC ST04522CH for upgrading Learjet 40/45 UNS-1Ew FMS units to Universal Avionics SCN 1002.3 or greater, adding LP approach capabilities and Push-to-Load CPDLC Enroute.
• DU-875 Display Upgrades STC ST03873NY for one-for-one replacement of Honeywell DU-870 CRT display units with DU-875 LCD units in Learjet 40/45, with optional Primus Elite and PEAF upgrades.
• SAM — Standby Attitude Module (MD-302) Replacement of electromechanical standby instruments with Mid-Continent MD-302 solid-state standby instrument system in Learjet 40/45, reducing downtime and certification costs.
• ALTO Cadence Cabin Management System In partnership with ALTO Aviation, providing catalog-based CMS upgrades for Bombardier Learjet 40/45 with custom fit-compatible panels and seat charging ports.
• Charter Services Worldwide private aircraft charter services with a fleet including Bombardier Global 7500, Challenger 3500, and Learjet 45/75, operating to destinations across all continents.
• Global 7500 Charter World's largest and longest-range business jet charter, featuring four true living spaces, a full-size kitchen, and a dedicated crew suite.
• Challenger 3500 Charter Private jet charter featuring the most advanced cabin in its class with voice-controlled cabin technology and the Nuage seat, redefining luxury and innovation.
• Learjet 45/75 Charter Super-light jet charter with a double club interior seating for eight, forward galley, cabin entertainment system, enclosed lavatory, 2000 nautical mile range, and 535 mph cruise speed.
• Aircraft Management Aircraft management solutions since 1978 including scheduling, flight coordination, crew services, charter management, aircraft acquisitions, safety programs, financial management, and regulatory compliance.
• FBO Services Full-service Fixed Base Operator at Willard Airport (KCMI) offering ramp services, Avfuel supply, hangar space (137,000+ sq ft), de-icing, cargo handling, U.S. Customs clearance, and guest services including crew lounge, conference rooms, and crew cars.
• Interiors High-quality aircraft interior services including cabin reconfiguration, headliners, window lines, thermal/acoustic insulation, cabinet finishing, LED lighting, in-flight WiFi, surround sound, HD monitors, and full detailing.
• PRIZM Cabin Lighting Elliott Technologies PRIZM full color LED cabin lighting with millions of colors, customizable mood settings, mobile app and manual switch controls, supporting small to large cabins.
• Smart Vision Shades Electrically dimmable inner window panes by Elliott Technologies with app or manual controls, 99% UV blocking, fully integrated with Gogo ATG and L3/L5 data systems.
• AeroLoc Magnetic Flooring NexGen magnetic aircraft flooring system by AeroLoc for entry, galley, lavatory, or entire cabin installation, approved and installed by Flightstar.
• Aviation Medical Examiner Dr. James E. Manint, D.O. provides Airman Medical Certificate examinations by appointment from Flightstar's FBO facility at KCMI.

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• The Leather InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 May 2019Partnership to open a satellite location at Flightstar's MRO facility for aircraft interior leather services including ClearCabin antimicrobial treatment, cleaning, color restoration, and ink resist application
• ALTO AviationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to provide ALTO Cadence Cabin Management System installation in Bombardier Learjet 40/45 aircraft using custom fit-compatible panels
• Elliott TechnologiescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer for PRIZM Cabin Lighting and Smart Vision Shades systems, providing full color LED cabin lighting and electronically dimmable window shades
• AvfuelcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive fuel supplier providing aviation fuel (Jet-A and Avgas 100LL) with contract fuel programs and AvTrip points
• BombardiercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBombardier Authorized Service Facility (ASF) for Learjet 45/75 since 2012; provides factory-authorized maintenance and support aligned with OEM standards
• HoneywellcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHoneywell Authorized Service Center (ASC) for TFE731 series, HTF7000, and Honeywell APU; Premier Dealer for avionics
• Universal AvionicscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer for Universal Avionics products including UNS-1Ew FMS units and related avionics equipment
• GarmincoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGarmin Platinum Dealer for avionics sales and service
• Gogo Business AviationcoreTechnology or IntegrationInstallation and integration of Gogo AVANCE platform (L3/L5) for inflight Wi-Fi and connectivity solutions
• Cessna (Textron)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCessna Authorized independent NDI facility for non-destructive inspection services

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Atlantic Aviation: National FBO chain with FBO, fuel, hangar, and charter services; comparable to Flightstar's FBO and charter offerings and competes for the same corporate flight department customers in the U.S. market.
• Signature Flight Support: World's largest FBO network providing fuel, hangar, and ground handling at 200+ locations; directly overlaps with Flightstar's FBO operations and competes for transient business jet traffic at KCMI's peer airports.
• Million Air: FBO network providing fuel, hangar, and concierge services to business aviation; directly comparable to Flightstar's FBO operations and competes for similar transient business jet customers.
• Duncan Aviation: Largest family-owned business aviation MRO in North America with full-service FBO and extensive Bombardier/Learjet/Challenger maintenance and avionics capabilities — directly competes with Flightstar for the same OEM-authorized platform work.
• Banyan Air Service: FBO and MRO facility at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport offering avionics, maintenance, charter, and management; closely comparable to Flightstar's vertically integrated FBO+MRO+charter model.
• Pentastar Aviation: Charter, aircraft management, and MRO provider at Oakland County International Airport (KPTK); directly comparable to Flightstar in offering managed aircraft, charter, and maintenance under one roof.
• TWC Aviation: Aircraft management, charter, and FBO services company with Bombardier-heavy fleet focus; comparable to Flightstar's charter and managed-aircraft business.

Broad incumbents

• Gama Aviation: Global business aviation services group providing MRO, FBO, charter, and management; overlaps with Flightstar across multiple service lines at a broader international scale.
• Jet Aviation: Global business aviation services company offering MRO, FBO, charter, and aircraft management with multiple OEM authorizations across Bombardier platforms; broader geographic footprint than Flightstar but overlapping service lines and customer base.
• StandardAero: Major aviation MRO provider with engine and airframe service centers, OEM authorizations, and avionics capabilities; competes for the same Honeywell, Bombardier, and engine MRO work but at a substantially larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/FlightstarCMI
• Facebookfacebook.com/flightstar.cmi
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/flightstar
• Instagraminstagram.com/flightstar.cmi
• Xx.com/FlightstarCMI

Compliance14 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 Flightstar