Pentastar rides out recession with diverse service offerings

Surviving in the aviation business during an economic downturn is easier for diversified companies like Pentastar Aviation.

By Matt Thurber • Editor-in-Chief

October 13, 2010

Surviving in the aviation business during an economic downturn is easier for diversified companies like Pentastar Aviation. The company has two FBOs–one at Oakland County International Airport in Pontiac, Mich., and another at Van Nuys Airport in Southern California. “It’s been tough sledding,” admitted Edsel B. Ford II, who bought the operation called DaimlerChrysler Aviation on Oct. 31, 2001, and resurrected the company’s former name, Pentastar Aviation.

What gives Pentastar Aviation (Booth No. 7119) an advantage is that it serves almost every facet of aviation except for manufacturing, which certainly has been in a tough place of its own during the downturn. Pentastar’s core business is its charter/management division, but the company also operates a heavy maintenance and avionics service facility. It also offers aircraft sales and a fairly new service whereby the company manages flight operations for the University of Michigan Health System aeromedical service. That contract covers one jet and three helicopters. “I think they realized we could do really good work for them and they’re pleased with us as a supplier,” he said. “That’s a new niche for us. We think that with the university under our wing we can potentially pick up some new customers.”

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