Since 1987

It Started With One Pilot and One Airplane.

What began as a small charter operation at John Wayne Airport in 1987 has grown into one of Southern California's established full-service aviation companies. Here's how we got here.

#1 Longest Tenure in Orange County Orange County's longest-tenured private aviation operator.
Founded by a pilot Built by aviators who know the work from the cockpit.
One roof Charter, ownership, management, maintenance, and sales in one company.

The Milestones That Shaped Us.

We grew by solving the next problem. There was never a grand plan to build a company offering every aviation service. One opportunity led to another, and nearly four decades later, here we are.

Drag to explore
1987

Where It All Began

West Coast Charters is officially incorporated on July 1, 1987, by Gary Standel. What started with a single King Air C90 would eventually become West Coast Aviation Services.

1990

Our First Jet

The company enters the jet market with a brand-new Cessna Citation V, serial number 9. Over the next few years, the fleet grows to three Citation Vs.

1995

Maintenance Comes In-House

WCAS establishes its FAA Part 145 maintenance operation, bringing aircraft maintenance under the same roof as flight operations.

2001

Introducing Aircraft Shares

Recognizing a need for more flexible aircraft ownership, WCAS launches its fractional ownership program with King Air 200 aircraft.

2005

The King Air 350 Era

The first King Air 350 joins the fractional program, laying the foundation for one of the largest King Air 350 fractional fleets in the country.

2009

Becoming WCAS

West Coast Charters evolves into West Coast Aviation Services, bringing charter, fractional ownership, maintenance, aircraft sales, and other services together under one identity.

20XX

[Milestone title TBD]

[One–two sentence description TBD.]

20XX

[Milestone title TBD]

[One–two sentence description TBD.]

Today

Still Family-Owned

Nearly four decades later, WCAS operates a diverse fleet of turboprops and jets, offering fractional ownership, charter, aircraft management, maintenance, and aircraft sales.

Fleet
30+ From King Airs to Gulfstreams
Locations
2 Southern California locations
Founded
1987

Founded at John Wayne Airport with a single King Air C90. Nearly four decades later, still family-owned.

Maintenance
Part 145 FAA Repair Station
Certified
Textron Authorized Service Center
King Air
Largest King Air 350 fleet in the West

A Lot Has Changed. Our Approach Hasn't.

One aircraft then. Thirty-plus today. Two airports, a Part 145 Repair Station, and one of the largest King Air fleets in the country.

The operation got bigger. The way we do business didn't.

From one King Air C90 to a diverse fleet of aircraft, our growth has always been driven by the same idea: take care of our customers, and the rest will follow.

Explore our services

Two Southern California Locations.

Flight operations at John Wayne Airport in Orange County. Aircraft maintenance at Long Beach Airport. Both serving private aviation clients across Southern California.

Headquarters

John Wayne Airport (SNA) — Santa Ana, CA

Home base for WCAS private jet charter, fractional ownership, aircraft management, and aircraft sales in Orange County.

19711 Campus Drive, Suite 150
Santa Ana, CA 92707
Maintenance Facility

Long Beach Airport (LGB) — Long Beach, CA

FAA Part 145 Repair Station and Textron Authorized Service Center for aircraft maintenance and avionics.

2881 E Spring Street
Long Beach, CA 90806

Fly With Us.

Whether it's your first private flight or your next aircraft, we pick up the phone and get it done.