Private Airplane Business Up 30 Percent in Chesterfield Valley

Aero Charter Inc., based in Chesterfield at , opened a $4-million expansion to its facility Wednesday, after reporting business was up 30 percent since last year.

In a separate move, the St. Louis County-owned airport in the Valley to expand its Spirit of St. Louis Airport.

Aero Charter's new 30,000-square-foot hangar adds 4,200 square feet of shop area, and 105,000 square feet of apron—like a waiting area.

“The new hangar more than doubles our capacity to service the general aviation population,” said Aero Charter Partner and President John Morgenthaler, Jr.

The company also added five new employees for a total of more than 50.

Aero Charter Inc. is an aircraft support company for business and private jets at Spirit of St. Louis Airport

The opening of the new hangar started with construction in December and was completed in late August.

An opening ceremony is expected in the near future, officials said, with an opportunity to tour the space.

“The aviation industry is showing encouraging signs of growth. We have responded by expanding our facilities in order to better position ourselves for the increasing demand,” Morgenthaler said in a written statement.

The 30 percent increase was in chartered flights, officials said. More companies are using private aircraft, and all the associated support services, he said.

Locally-owned and operated since 1978, Aero Charter is based at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield, MO (KSUS) and provides complete aircraft support services for business and private aircraft. The company offers worldwide flights with the majority of its clients flying throughout mainland United States, Canada, Mexico, South America and the Caribbean. The fleet includes jet, turbine and piston aircraft.  In addition to charter, Aero Charter provides full aircraft support services including aircraft management, maintenance, avionics, and Fixed Base Operator (FBO) ground support.  Aero Charter’s avionics department specializes in custom installations and repairs. In 1995, Aero Charter introduced Aero Travel, a full-service travel agency. For information call 636-537-0005 or visit www.aerocharter.com.