Business Spotlight: Summit Aviation

BY AMANDA SCHIMMEL

Established in 1960 by Richard C. du Pont Jr., Summit Aviation is a comprehensive aviation center situated in Middletown, Delaware. With a rich background as the son of Delaware aviation trailblazer Richard C. du Pont Sr., a Mohawk Airlines pilot, and his service in the Delaware Air National Guard, du Pont Jr. entered the aviation industry ready to make waves. Today, Summit Aviation is the oldest, continuously operating aircraft company in the state of Delaware.

Acquired in 2008 by Greenwich Aerogroup, Summit Aviation continues to deliver top quality services to an extensive customer base, including both U.S. and international parties. With 120,000 square feet of hangar space, 11,500 square feet of office space, and a 9,200 square foot paint facility, the extent of Summit Aviation’s offerings appear limitless. Inspections, maintenance, repairs, and modifications are only a few of the many services provided by the company.

Chief Financial Officer Joyce Morales explains, “We offer a diverse range of services to meet the needs of different groups. This includes support for individual owners of helicopters and fixed-wing aircrafts, services for the U.S. Government’s Department of Defense and international military clients, assistance for U.S. Government agencies outside the Department of Defense, for special missions, and more.” Summit Aviation first began their partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense in the early 1980s after being presented with the chance to participate in bidding for several contracts as a supporting player.

As for everyday operations, Morales says, “At Summit Aviation, customer satisfaction and a commitment to sustained high performance are foundational to our day-to-day operations. We understand that the safety, reliability, and performance of aircrafts are paramount to our clients. Therefore, we prioritize meticulous attention to detail and rigorous quality control in every maintenance and repair task.” The Summit Aviation team also regularly engages in training to ensure every provided service meets the highest standard. Furthermore, a customer-focused approach— which includes consistent feedback from clients—promotes loyalty and encourages trust-based partnerships.

Strong relationships also shine through Summit Aviation’s work culture, which follows the adage, “Together, everyone achieves more.” Deeply rooted in a family-oriented approach, it is no surprise that the company has been awarded the 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award for exemplary efforts in recruiting, employing, and retaining our nation’s veterans for the fifth consecutive year. In fact, more than half of the company is comprised of veterans. “Our veteran employees embody exceptional leadership, technical acumen, and problem-solving skills—traits that are immensely appreciated in any work environment, especially in ours. It’s an honor for us to collaborate daily with our veterans,” reflects Morales.

By fostering strong community ties, upholding core values, and delivering outstanding craftsmanship, Summit Aviation is poised to exceed the aviation needs of its customers for years to come. Morales concludes, “Summit Aviation has been evolving and growing since 1960. Every day we continue to focus on our customers and solutions to meet their needs.”