Universal Avionics will permanently close its Wichita operation after nearly four decades, claiming it as a victim of the Covid-19 pandemic and an associated economic downturn. “It is increasingly difficult to maintain full repair capacity under current conditions,” Universal Avionics CEO Dror Yahav said in a letter Thursday.

The avionics manufacturer will consolidate product repair with its headquarters and Part 145 repair station in Tucson, Arizona, resulting in the loss of jobs for five repair station and support employees. Its three field service engineers will transition to working remotely while the company consolidates training in Tucson or offers it online.

Located in southwest Wichita near Eisenhower National Airport and Textron Aviation, Universal Avionics established the operation more than 37 years ago. Its closing is effective May 29.

“This is an extremely difficult decision, one that is taken with an attempt at preserving the long-standing relationships with our customers, dealers, and OEM partners, relationships that we value greatly,” Yahav added.