StandardAero’s origins date back to 1911, just eight years after the Wright brothers’ historic flight at Kitty Hawk. Founded by Charles Pearce and William Bickell in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, the company—then known as Standard Machine Works—specialized in the repair, overhaul, and rebuilding of automobile, truck, and tractor engines. Recognized for its exceptional craftsmanship, skilled workforce, and advanced equipment, Standard Machine Works quickly established a reputation for excellence, as noted in contemporary publications.
As civil aviation grew in the region during the mid-1920s, the demand for trusted engine service increased. Shipping engines to manufacturers in Montreal, Toronto, Detroit, or Ottawa took time and added costs.
To meet this demand, Standard Machine Works expanded its services to include aircraft engines. They established an Aero Engine Division in the basement and first floor of their St. Matthews facility. In April 1936, the team rebuilt its first aircraft engine — an Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah piston engine.
By November 1936, most engine manufacturers had appointed Standard Machine Works as an authorized service station, including Canadian Pratt & Whitney, de Havilland, and Jacobs. That fall, the company also became an authorized service station for Bendix Aviation Corporation of Bendix, NJ, maintaining Bendix-Eclipse starters, generators, and control boxes.
In 1949, the company incorporated as Standard Aero Engine Limited (SAE) and expanded its facilities and capabilities, sharpening its expertise in civilian and military aircraft engines. By 1960, SAE began overhauling turbine engines, investing heavily in tooling and training. They also partnered with Trans-Canada Air Lines to use one of the airline’s engine test cells.
Over the next six decades, the company grew steadily through strategic acquisitions, new program wins, and expanded services. StandardAero earned recognition as one of the aerospace industry’s leading independent maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers. Our success reflects the merger of businesses with complementary specialties, enhancing our capabilities and driving customer loyalty and value.
Today, StandardAero operates two primary divisions: Engine Services and Component Repair Services. These divisions represent our core strengths — comprehensive engine MRO capabilities and an extensive portfolio of component repair services for business aviation, commercial aviation, military, fixed-wing, helicopter, and industrial power customers.
Our team of nearly 7,500 talented professionals works across 49 primary facilities worldwide, supported by strategically located regional service and support centers.
StandardAero holds OEM authorizations and approvals for aircraft and rotorcraft engines, auxiliary power units, components, airframe services (including major alterations), FAA-authorized avionics capabilities, comprehensive engineering services, and custom exterior and interior design, completion, and paint. We deliver these services through a global network of specialized facilities and mobile service teams.
We’ve tackled some of aviation’s toughest challenges through ingenuity, teamwork, and collaboration. Our culture emphasizes respect, open communication, and recognition for a job well done. We foster teamwork to create a supportive environment where everyone can contribute their skills and perspectives. With over 100 years of aviation industry experience, we offer the stability, resources, and training to help our team achieve their career goals.
Join StandardAero and help us raise the standard of excellence in aviation repair and maintenance!
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