Waco Aircraft closes

Dimor acquired Waco Aircraft and Centennial Aircraft Services, based at Battle Creek Executive Airport at Kellogg Field (BTL) in 2018, with Centennial acting as an FAR Part 145 authorized repair and maintenance facility, providing restoration services for Waco Aircraft. Together, they produced the new Waco YMF–5, while maintaining the older Waco fleet and other vintage aircraft, as well as an FBO.

The decision to cease operations was made “after careful deliberation,” according to the company. Continued U.S. production proved unsustainable because of rising production cost and decreasing demand. About 60 jobs will be eliminated by the closure.

Dimor Group Marketing Manager Wanda Myrik said that all customer-ordered Waco and Junkers aircraft have been delivered. There will be no bankruptcy process, as “the company has no outstanding creditors and has continued to meet all financial obligations.” The type certificates for the YMF–5 and the Great Lakes 2T–1A-2 are “available for purchase.” What will happen to the parts inventory has yet to be decided.

The Junkers A50 Junior, A50 Heritage, and A60 will continue to be produced and marketed worldwide in Oberndorf, Germany. Battle Creek’s Centennial FBO will remain operational, as will the restaurant SF Latin American Cuisine at Waco Aircraft.