Gregory Polek has spent his entire career in aviation journalism with AIN, starting as a proofreader and assistant to then-managing editor Mary Mahoney in 1995 after serving an internship with&nbsp;New Jersey Monthly&nbsp;magazine and completing his B.A. degree in English/Writing at New Jersey’s William Paterson College. By 1997 Polek accepted a position as an associate editor, covering the regional airline beat for&nbsp;Aviation International News&nbsp;in place of retiring industry veteran Don Anderson. The assignment took Polek across North America and Europe to profile regional airlines varying in size and mission from the likes of floatplane operators Kenmore Air and Chalk’s Ocean Airways to regional jet operators such as SkyWest and American Eagle. Today, in his dual role as Air Transport Editor and International Airshow Editor, Polek writes, edits, and manages AIN’s commercial aviation content while overseeing each of the company’s daily international air show publications in Paris, Farnborough, Singapore, and Dubai. Most recently Polek has assumed oversight of daily coverage of the Helicopter Association International’s annual Heli-Expo convention.

Senior Editor

Gregory Polek

Pro Star Aviation broke ground this week for a new $12.4 million, 37,000-square-foot hangar and office facility at the Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Michigan. The project includes a multi-bay aircraft maintenance hangar with a support mezzanine as well as a 17,000-square-foot steel-framed office structure. The hangar will serve as a dedicated Pilatus Aircraft sales and service center.
The project will debut a 56,000-square-foot ramp and a new taxiway connector. The two-story office facility features large clerestory windows to increase the amount of natural light flowing into the building. The space will offer modern amenities, including a pilot lounge and customer relaxation areas. Pro Star expects construction to conclude by the end of the year, with occupancy anticipated in early 2025.
"Our company has experienced tremendous growth over the last decade and this further expansion into the West Michigan area is a proud accomplishment," said group CEO Henry Laughlin. “We look forward to supporting our Pilatus customers in the region from exceptional new facilities.”
Headquartered at the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in New Hampshire, Pro Star operates as an authorized factory service center for Dassault Falcon Jet, Embraer, and Pilatus Aircraft. Company services include avionics upgrades, business aviation connectivity, special mission aircraft modifications, aircraft maintenance, and sales. Founded in 1948, Pro Star Group also operates an FBO, airline services, and aircraft de-icing.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Pro Star Aviation Breaks Ground on Grand Rapids Hangar and Offices

Facility will serve as a dedicated Pilatus Aircraft sales and service center

Pro Star Aviation broke ground this week for a hangar and office facility at the Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Michigan. 

Pro Star Breaks Ground on Grand Rapids Hangar, Offices

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Chad Trautvetter

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Working with NASA, company successfully tested autonomous inspection system on Boeing aircraft

Drones Could be Used For Airliner Preflight Checks

Curt Epstein

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

It adds capability for the PC-24 and expands locations for the PC-12

Banyan Increases Pilatus Service Capabilities

Charles Alcock

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Kuala Lumpur facility provides line and base maintenance for Challengers and Globals

Taiwan Approves ExecuJet Malaysia for Bombardier MRO Work

Matt Thurber

Dassault-owned facility offers maintenance services on a variety of aircraft types

EASA Approves ExecuJet Middle East for Global 7500 Mx

Kerry Lynch

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Committees are meeting directly with students at universities

NBAA Mx Committee Creates Campus Outreach Program

The facility represents a major increase in the airframer's maintenance network

Gulfstream Inaugurates New Arizona Service Center

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

The move expands Yingling's MRO capabilities In the Wichita area

Yingling Aviation Acquires Interiors Solutions Provider

AmyWilder

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

In this article

Pilatus PC-12 Series

Pilatus PC-24

Pro Star Aviation

More In Maintenance and Modifications