What The Blackhawk Group does

The Blackhawk Group is a private, New State Capital Partners-backed aerospace platform founded in December 2021 that consolidates three specialist aftermarket brands serving the light turbine aircraft market: AVEX Aviation (Daher TBM sales, maintenance, and upgrades), Blackhawk Aerospace (engine, avionics, and airframe upgrades across King Air, Cessna Caravan, Citation, Piper, and other turboprop platforms), and Finnoff Aviation (Pilatus PC-12 performance upgrades). The company operates six owned Performance Centers (Phoenix HQ, Columbia MO, Glendale AZ, Camarillo CA, Broomfield CO, Wasilla AK, and Bournemouth UK) under FAA Part 145 and UK CAA Part 145 certifications, paired with an 80+ dealer/installer network spanning six continents. Its largest business line is the sale and installation of FAA STC-approved PT6A engine upgrades — XP67A (King Air 350), XP66D (TBM 700), XP52 (King Air 200), XP42A (Cessna Caravan), XP135A (Piper Meridian), and Finnoff's 67B-to-67P PC-12 upgrade — that together have produced over 2,000 P&WC engine deliveries and 25 years of operating history.

The company monetizes through one-time STC license fees tied to engine upgrades, professional services for FAA Part 145 MRO and avionics installations (Garmin, Collins Aerospace, MT Propeller, Hartzell), transaction fees on aircraft brokerage (AVEX holds ~40% of global pre-owned TBM resale share), hardware sales via an online parts exchange platform, and a data monetization layer through AVEX Intel. The proprietary AVEX Intel platform aggregates 102 data points per TBM transaction across 20+ years and powers an Automated Valuation Model delivering a 95% confidence interval, with reported customer outcomes of 4.3 months saved on holding expenses and sales within 1.5% of asking price. The go-to-market combines brand-specific enterprise field sales teams (AVEX for TBM, Blackhawk for aftermarket upgrades, Finnoff for PC-12), 80+ certified installation centers, government and defense business development, and active presence at NBAA, LABACE, COPA Migration, and EAA AirVenture. Customer segments are organized vertically by airframe family (King Air, TBM, PC-12, Caravan, plus government/defense and Cirrus/light jet), with notable named operators including MG Dyess (US Air Force), Skydive San Marcos, Shoreline Aviation, Red Bull Skydiving Team, and Walsh Aviation.

The business model is asset-light and high-margin relative to OEM manufacturing: STC development is one-time engineering spend amortized across recurring installations, while MRO and parts flow into an installed base that grows with each completed upgrade. Backed by New State Capital Partners, the company has pursued a roll-up strategy with three acquisitions in 14 months (Glendale Aero Services, Silver Sky Aviation, MCA Aviation), multiple new STC certifications (XP67A March 2025, XP66D October 2025, EASA validation in progress), and exclusive distribution agreements with Hartzell, MT Propeller, and Piper for X-Range Meridian. The combination of regulatory moat, data asset, distribution footprint, and PE-backed M&A firepower positions the company as a roll-up consolidator in the fragmented light turbine aftermarket.

Name

The Blackhawk Group

Legal name

The Blackhawk Group, Inc.

Website

https://blackhawkgroup.aero

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Blackhawk Group is a PE-backed (New State Capital Partners) aerospace platform consolidating three specialist brands (AVEX, Blackhawk Aerospace, Finnoff) to deliver STC-approved PT6A engine upgrades, avionics modernization, MRO services, and aircraft brokerage for light turbine aircraft (King Air, TBM, PC-12, Caravan) across six owned Performance Centers and an 80+ dealer global network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aircraft Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) and Performance Upgrades

NAICS

Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing (336412), Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (3364), Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance (811210)

SIC

Aircraft Engines & Engine Parts (3724), Aircraft & Parts (3720), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Modifications, STC & Retrofit Integration (IMABALAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Engine MRO (Shop Visits, Overhaul & Module Repair) (IMABALAC), MRO Engineering, Technical Publications & CAMO Support (IMABALAO), Aircraft Engine MRO (Overhaul, Repair, Test Cell) (TLAKAJAB), Component MRO (Avionics, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Electrical) (TLAKAJAC)

Keywords

• Engine upgrades STC
• Turboprop performance modifications
• Aircraft MRO services
• Avionics installations
• Aircraft sales brokerage

Headquarters

HQ city

Phoenix

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. STC Engine Upgrades: Sale of FAA STC-approved PT6A engine upgrades for multiple aircraft platforms (King Air 90/200/300/350, Cessna Caravan, TBM 700, Pilatus PC-12). Revenue recognized per engine installation. The company's largest business unit, generating engine upgrade revenue across Blackhawk, AVEX, and Finnoff brands.
2. Avionics Upgrades and Installations: Sale and installation of avionics upgrades including Garmin G1000/G600 TXi/G5000 retrofits, Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion, GFC 600 autopilot, GTN 750Xi navigators, GTX 335R ADS-B transponders, and GI 275 instruments. Includes both parts and labor for installation services.
3. Propeller and Airframe Upgrades: Sale of propeller upgrades (MT 5-blade and 7-blade composite propellers, Hartzell propellers), airframe modifications (Raisbeck, BLR, Tamerack, Centex), RAM air recovery, and battery upgrades (True Blue lithium-ion).
4. Aircraft Maintenance & MRO Services: FAA Part 145-certified maintenance, repair, and overhaul services across Performance Centers. Includes scheduled inspections, structural repairs, landing gear services, FAR 91.411/91.413 checks, hot section inspections, engine troubleshooting. Revenue billed hourly or per maintenance event.
5. Aircraft Sales and Brokerage: AVEX Aviation accounts for approximately 40% of global pre-owned TBM sales. Services include aircraft acquisition, brokerage, market valuations, and pre-buy inspections. Finnoff handles PC-12 sales. Wetzel Aviation partnership extends acquisition/upgrades for turboprop aircraft.
6. Parts Sales: Largest inventory of TBM spare parts in the industry. Online parts exchange platform for aftermarket aircraft parts and avionics. Fast service and competitive pricing for PMA and OEM parts.
7. Data & Valuation Services: AVEX Intel proprietary data platform providing aircraft valuations, market analysis, and operating expense projections. Patented tools and market data analysis services supporting aircraft acquisition decisions.
8. Government & Defense Solutions: Specialized performance upgrades and aircraft solutions for government and military operators, including special mission configurations for government customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Blackhawk Group delivers FAA STC-approved PT6A engine upgrades, avionics modernization, propeller and airframe modifications, and FAA Part 145 MRO services for light turbine aircraft (King Air, Cessna Caravan, Daher TBM, Pilatus PC-12, Cirrus, Citation). The company also operates aircraft sales and brokerage (approximately 40% of global pre-owned TBM market) and the AVEX Intel proprietary data platform for TBM valuation and engine trend monitoring. Distribution is via 6 owned Performance Centers and an 80+ dealer/installer network spanning 6 continents.

Product overview

The Blackhawk Group is a holding company comprising three distinct sub-brands serving the light turbine aircraft market: AVEX Aviation (exclusively focused on Daher TBM aircraft sales, maintenance, and upgrades), Blackhawk Aerospace (engine, avionics, and airframe upgrades for turboprop aircraft including King Air, Caravan, and PC-12), and Finnoff Aviation (PC-12 specific performance upgrades). The portfolio centers on proprietary STC-approved PT6A engine upgrades (XP67A for King Air 350, XP66D for TBM 700, XP52 for King Air 200, XP42A for Caravan) and comprehensive MRO services delivered through an expanding network of Performance Centers (currently 6 locations) and 80+ authorized dealer installations globally. The company also operates complementary platforms including AVEX Intel data intelligence, TBM Super Store aircraft brokerage, and an enterprise e-commerce parts platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AVEX: Sales, maintenance, and aftermarket support for Daher TBM aircraft, including avionics upgrades and aircraft brokerage.
• Blackhawk
• Finnoff

Products and services

• XP67A Engine+ Upgrade FAA STC-approved engine upgrade for King Air 300/350 series delivering increased power, climb rate (4,000+ ft/min), speed, and endurance. Certified with MT 7-Blade Composite Propeller and Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion integration.
• XP52 Engine+ Upgrade Engine upgrade for King Air 200 series (B200) delivering significantly enhanced performance capabilities compared to baseline.
• XP135A Engine+ Upgrade Engine upgrade for King Air C90 series providing improved performance for light turboprop operations; also applied as Piper X-Range Meridian PT6A-135A Engine Replacement STC.
• XP42A Engine+ Upgrade STC-approved PT6A-42A 850 shp engine upgrade for Cessna Caravan/Grand Caravan 208/208B delivering superior takeoff, climb, and payload capabilities. Over 150 completed installations.
• XP140 Engine+ Upgrade Engine upgrade for Cessna Caravan amphibious operations delivering enhanced performance for water-based operations.
• XP66D Engine+ Upgrade STC-approved engine upgrade for Daher TBM 700 series. FAA approved October 2025 with EASA validation data submitted April 2026. Integrates with existing avionics platforms.
• PC-12 Engine Upgrade (PT6A-67P) Engine STC upgrade for Pilatus PC-12 legacy aircraft, upgrading older PT6A-67B engines to newer 67P specification. Delivers up to 15 knots faster cruise and dual direct drive 300-amp generators.
• Performance Center Network (FAA Part 145 MRO) Network of 6 owned and operated FAA Part 145-certified maintenance facilities providing engine upgrades, avionics installations, airframe modifications, scheduled inspections, structural repairs, hot section inspections, and comprehensive MRO services. Locations: Camarillo CA, Broomfield CO, Columbia MO, Glendale AZ, Wasilla AK, Bournemouth UK.
• TBM Avionics Upgrades Comprehensive Garmin-based avionics modernization for TBM aircraft including G600 TXi, GTN 650/750, GFC 600 autopilot, L-3 Trilogy, and custom panel solutions. Over 200 TBM upgrades completed.
• TBM Aircraft Sales & Brokerage Aircraft sales and brokerage services for Daher TBM aircraft handled by AVEX Aviation, accounting for approximately 40% of global pre-owned TBM transactions. Includes acquisition, brokerage, market valuations, and pre-buy inspections.
• PC-12 Aircraft Sales & Brokerage Specialized brokerage services for pre-owned Pilatus PC-12 aircraft via Finnoff Aviation, including proprietary PC-12 valuation model and comprehensive transaction support.
• Government & Defense Solutions Specialized performance upgrades and support for government, military, and special mission operators. Includes XR Endurance Kit for King Air 350 and custom solutions for defense applications.
• AVEX Intel Data Platform Proprietary TBM data intelligence platform aggregating 102 data points per aircraft transaction across 20+ years. Powers Automated Valuation Model with 95% confidence interval and engine vibration trend analysis.
• Aftermarket Parts E-Commerce Platform Enterprise-wide online platform for aftermarket aircraft parts and avionics. Offers fast service and competitive pricing with comprehensive inventory management, including the largest TBM spare parts inventory in the industry.
• MT Propeller 5-Blade Upgrade (PC-12) Five-bladed composite propeller STC for PC-12 aircraft. Finnoff holds exclusive distribution rights for North and South America. Shortens takeoff distances, enables faster climbs, and enhances efficiency.
• TBM Actuator Overhaul Service In-house actuator overhaul service for TBM aircraft with industry-leading 7-day turn time. Enables concurrent actuator overhauls with scheduled inspections.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2,000+ PT6A engines delivered from Pratt & Whitney Canada as of July 2025
• +10 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration17 records

AI capability5 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• MCA AviationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 22 April 2026UK-based maintenance and engineering provider with 20+ years of experience joins The Blackhawk Group's Performance Center Network as its sixth strategic expansion and first in Europe. Bournemouth International Airport facility rebranded as Blackhawk Performance Center. Significantly enhances TBG's global service footprint in the light turbine aircraft market for European operators.
• Wetzel AviationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 March 2026Strategic collaboration to acquire, upgrade, and resell turboprop aircraft, focusing on platforms central to TBG's engine upgrade STC portfolio. Primary focus on King Air and other turboprop platforms within TBG's upgrade ecosystem.
• Silver Sky AviationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 7 January 2026Wasilla, Alaska-based maintenance and performance upgrade provider with over a decade of experience joins TBG's Performance Center Network as sixth location. Supports King Air, Caravan, Kodiak, and PC-12 platforms. Expands TBG's footprint into one of the fastest-growing turboprop regions globally.
• Hartzell PropellercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 October 2025Strategic partnership aligning two industry leaders to expand support and streamline operations. Hartzell 5-blade composite propeller paired with Blackhawk XP67A Engine+ Upgrade on King Air 350 under development. STC data submitted to FAA.
• MT PropellercoreTechnology or Integration · 21 July 2025Blackhawk's XP67A Engine+ Upgrade is now certified with MT 7-blade composite propeller for King Air 350 (STC March 2025). Hartzell 5-blade composite propeller STC pending. Finnoff holds exclusive North/South America distribution for MT 5-blade propeller PC-12 STC.
• Piper AircraftcoreTechnology or Integration · 21 July 2025TBG named exclusive distributor in North and South America for Piper 'X-Range' Meridian PT6A-135A Engine Replacement STC. Piper Meridian De-Ice Boot STC program launched October 2025.
• Pratt & Whitney CanadacoreTechnology or IntegrationEngine supplier for all Blackhawk engine upgrades. TBG is a Level 3 Pratt Service Center (only 10 globally). Over 2,000 PT6A engines delivered to TBG. AVEX added to P&WC CFirst MRT database for 24/7 TBM support.
• GarmincoreTechnology or IntegrationGarmin is the primary avionics platform integrated with Blackhawk upgrades. TBG holds Platinum Dealer status. AVEX has 200+ TBM G600 TXi installations. Garmin G1000, G5000, G600/700, GTN 650/750, GTX 335R, GFC 600 autopilot, GI 275 all integrated. Garmin StarLink connectivity offered.
• Collins AerospacecoreTechnology or IntegrationPro Line Fusion integration with Blackhawk XP67A Engine+ Upgrade for King Air, certified via FAA STC March 2025. Authorized dealership for Collins Pro Line 21 modernizations. BF Goodrich Ice Protection authorized dealer.
• DahercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAVEX Aviation is a Daher-recommended service center, contributing to the extensive Daher worldwide support network offering TBM services. AVEX offers TBM-specific maintenance, inspections, and upgrades tailored to TBM owners.
• Raisbeck EngineeringminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRaisbeck airframe modifications (Crown Wing Locker System, etc.) offered as part of Blackhawk's portfolio of airframe upgrade products through authorized dealership.
• BLR PerformanceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBLR Performance airframe modification products offered through authorized dealership at Blackhawk Performance Centers.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• BLR Aerospace: Aerodynamic modification STC developer for King Air and other turboprops. Direct peer offering complementary STC products, also distributed through Blackhawk's dealer network.
• Elliott Aviation: Mid-market US business aviation MRO and avionics/modification provider with deep King Air and turboprop expertise (including G1000 King Air retrofits and Collins modernizations). Highly comparable to Blackhawk on King Air platforms and avionics integration services.
• Constant Aviation: Business aviation MRO operator with multiple US service centers providing King Air, turboprop, and light jet maintenance and avionics upgrades. Comparable scale and service-line overlap with Blackhawk's Performance Centers.
• Tamarack Aerospace: STC developer of active winglet technology for King Air series. Direct competitor in the King Air upgrade aftermarket with a comparable STC-based business model.
• Raisbeck Engineering: STC developer of King Air airframe performance modifications (Crown Wing Locker System, etc.). Already a Blackhawk channel partner; comparable as an independent King Air STC holder targeting the same fleet.
• Western Aircraft: US-based MRO and dealer specializing in Pilatus PC-12/PC-24, King Air, and Cessna Citation. Directly comparable as a regional Performance Center competitor serving the same Pilatus and turboprop owner-operator segments.
• C&L Aviation: Full-service King Air MRO, parts, and avionics specialist. Directly competes for King Air upgrade and maintenance business and offers a similar dealer/parts-distribution model.

Broad incumbents

• Duncan Aviation: Large US business aviation MRO network with comprehensive King Air, turboprop, and jet services. Competes with Blackhawk at the multi-center MRO level but serves a broader aircraft portfolio.
• Jet Aviation: Global business aviation services company operating MRO facilities worldwide across many aircraft types. Competes in the broader light turbine MRO and upgrade space as part of a much wider service portfolio.
• StandardAero: Major aerospace MRO provider with strong PT6 engine overhaul capability and broad business aviation service lines. Overlaps with Blackhawk on PT6 engine MRO but serves a much wider engine and airframe portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/avex_inc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@avexaviationinc.9562
• Facebookfacebook.com/AVEXAVIATION
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-blackhawk-group
• Instagraminstagram.com/avexaviation

Compliance13 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A2 records

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about The Blackhawk Group