Western Global Airlines has opened base maintenance facility in Blytheville

Western Global Airlines has opened a new base maintenance facility at the Arkansas International Airport in Blytheville. The new facility includes a 50,000-square-foot hangar, the largest at the Aeroplex, and 40,000-square-feet of storage capacity.

The facility is projected to employ 60-75 workers. Maintenance operations for WGA at the site are expected to commence in June 2025.

“We are pleased to announce the relocation of our base maintenance operations from Shreveport, Louisiana, to Blytheville,” said James K. Neff, WGA’s CEO and founder. “With its access to outstanding back shop capabilities, a highly supportive airport authority, and a much more attractive cost of living, Blytheville is a huge improvement for our fixed base maintenance operations.”

Established in 2013, WGA is an FAA Part 121 certified cargo airline operating globally for several worldwide airlines, multi-national freight forwarders, and the United States Air Mobility Command. With an operating fleet of fourteen B747-400Fs and MD-11Fs, WGA has carried millions of tons of wide-body cargo to over 400 cities in 135 countries.

As part of its expansion into Blytheville, the company plans to contract with Aviation Repair Technologies, the FAA and EASA-certified repair station specializing in component MRO, parts sales and logistics services, that is also based at the Aeroplex. Neff said proximity to Aviation Repair Technologies was another draw to the airport.

Mississippi County Judge John Alan Nelson said he’s pleased WGA opted to locate maintenance operations in his county.

“The Arkansas Aeroplex is one of Mississippi County’s most strategic economic assets. Welcoming Western Global Airlines expands our aviation footprint and reinforces the Aeroplex as a logistics hub for the future of freight and cargo operations,” he said.