Alabama Aircraft Support gets new name, president

Alabama Aircraft Support is now operating under new leadership and a new name, Arista Aviation Services.

The company announced during a Sept. 4 press conference that Rich Enderle would be the new president of the company that specializes in helicopter and fixed-wing maintenance, refurbishment and avionics engineering.

The company, presently located on Highway 84 East, is owned by parent company Brightwater Aviation LLC out of Chicago, Ill.

Brightwater Aviation partner Mark Williams thanked the mayor and city council for their continued support.

Enterprise Mayor Kenneth Boswell said the city has been working diligently with Brightwater Aviation to see through the construction of the company’s new facility at the Enterprise Municipal Airport.

“We felt like it was the right fit for our community and our city,” Boswell said. “The opportunities that are available in the ever-evolving aviation world presents many opportunities not only for today but also the future to come.”

Enderle, who is retired from a 30-year military career, said it is great to be back in the Wiregrass. Enderle spent 10 years of his military career at Fort Rucker before retiring in 2007.

“We are starting a new chapter today. We are announcing Arista Aviation, which stands for excellence in aviation, in the Enterprise community,” Enderle said.

Construction on the new $12 million, 62,500 square-foot facility for the growing business began in January and is nearly complete.

Arista Aviation currently employs about 75 people, but anticipates employing 250-350 people in the near future.

Enderle said the military isn’t using new aircraft, which has created a need for what Arista Aviation specializes in, which is extending the capabilities of current aircraft platforms.

Wiregrass Economic Development Executive Director Jonathan Tullos said the company is expected to make an estimated $18 million annual impact in Coffee County.

“We couldn’t ask for a better partner in the city of Enterprise, nor could we ask for a better location as we get close to the heart of aviation,” Enderle said, citing aircraft facilities in Ozark, Dothan and the largest helicopter training facility in the world, Fort Rucker, all nearby.

Officials anticipate hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony in late October or early November and are already discussing plans for the next phase of growth.

“They’ve done a wonderful job in hiring Rich,” Boswell said. “I’ve watched him and how he served (in the military) and would tell you he served with a great deal of dignity and pride and we certainly look forward to continuing the relationship we have with Brightwater.”

For information on jobs available at Arista Aviation, visit its current location on Highway 84 West in Level Plains or visit its website at www.aristaas.com