Leading Edge Aviation Services
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Mike Manclark |
| Headquarters | Costa Mesa, California , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Aircraft painting and coatings services |
| Website | www |
International Aerospace Coatings (formerly known as Leading Edge Aviation Services) is an FAA-approved maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider based in Costa Mesa, California. Recognized as the largest independent commercial and military aircraft painting firm in the United States, it generates an annual revenue near $150 million. The company supports prominent airlines such as United, Continental, Delta, Northwest, Air Canada, Virgin America, US Airways, UPS, and The Blue Angels, operating multiple facilities located in California, Mississippi, Texas, Florida, and South Carolina.
History
Established in 1989 by Mike Manclark at John Wayne International Airport, the company initially focused on aircraft detailing services. Throughout the 1990s, it expanded its clientele to include private jets owned by high-profile individuals like Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra. Transitioning into large-scale aircraft painting and stripping began after winning a maintenance cleaning contract for McDonnell Douglas KC110 aircraft. An early significant achievement was creating United Airlines' visual branding showcased during the Super Bowl. The firm later secured contracts with leading airlines including Delta and Continental, alongside completing specialized projects such as a Boeing 757 adorned with an Arizona Diamondbacks theme for America West Airlines and painting Mitt Romney's 2012 campaign aircraft.
Notable achievements include:
- 2008: Refurbished a World War II-era Douglas A-26 Invader exhibited at John Wayne Airport.
- 2009: Restored a Blue Angels McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet displayed at the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
- 2010: Awarded a contract to repaint 631 aircraft during the United-Continental merger period, prompting expansion of its Amarillo, Texas plant.
- 2012: Earned AS9100 certification; completed painting of Air India's inaugural Boeing 787 Dreamliner and secured all Boeing 787 painting contracts at Charleston, SC production facilities.
- 2012: Obtained private equity funding from Vance Street Capital LLC.
- 2013: Initiated repainting of American Airlines’ fleet subsequent to their logo update.
In 2016, Leading Edge combined operations with Associated Painter and Eirtech Aviation to establish International Aerospace Coatings, Inc. (IAC).
Awards
Orange County Business Journal's 2012 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award (Mike Manclark)
Aviation Week and Overhaul & Maintenance’s 2012 MRO of the Year Award recognizing Innovative Service Supplier
References