The owners of Boise, Idaho-based Western Aircraft sold 100 percent of the company stock to investment group Berkley Aviation Investors. Western Aircraft has been under its current ownership since 1995, when Al Hilde bought the company from Morrison Knudsen. Hilde was the majority shareholder. Western shares were also held by CEO Allen Hoyt and Tim Hilde. According to Tim Hilde, “The primary reason for selecting Berkley from among several interested parties was the deeply held values that the Berkley people share with us. Allen and I felt that this would be the best result for both our customers and employees.”

The company opened a new FBO terminal last October and plans to build a sixth hangar this year.