by admin on Oct 11, 2011, under Uncategorized
A flight-line VIP Chalet, five-star golfing, sunset Hawaiian BBQ on the beach, a trip to the Sea World San Diego marine-life park, and the roar of the world’s most powerful aircraft thundering overhead—all this and more were part of 15th Annual Leading Edge Air Show and Golf Tournament in which 120 guests from the aviation industry joined Leading Edge staff at the 2011 MCAS Miramar Air Show, held in San Diego Sept. 30, Oct. 1 & 2.
“Seeing old friends and meeting new ones, getting together with valued partners—this is the best part of our annual fun-filled customer appreciation weekend at the Miramar Air Show,” said Mike Manclark, CEO of Leading Edge Corp. “We love using the spectacular backdrop of this world-famous event to say ‘Thank You’ to everyone who has helped make Leading Edge the leader in aircraft painting and the partner of choice for America’s top airlines.”
Leading Edge guests joined nearly 750,000 spectators during the three-day run of the show, which celebrated the Centennial of Naval Aviation with the theme “A Salute to San Diego: Birthplace of Naval Aviation 1911-2011.”
The Blue Angels showcased their impressive formations and complex maneuvers along with military and civilian jets and warbirds. The Boeing F/A-18 Hornet lit up the skies with its afterburners and cruised at speeds nearing 500 mph above the flight line. The Saturday Twilight Show featured special aerial pyrotechnics, a fireworks display and the always popular “Great Wall of Fire.”
Leading Edge guests got to take it all in from the best views at the show—runway seating at the company’s exclusive VIP Chalet tent, where they enjoyed a varied menu of fine foods and refreshments.
Leading Edge guests stayed at the Empress Hotel, an elegant, upscale coastal resort nestled in the heart of the charming village of La Jolla and known for its access to the sandy beaches and rocky shorelines that dominate the stunning landscape.
In addition to the air show, Leading Edge guests were able to choose among other company festivities, including:
The 15th Annual Leading Edge Golf Tournament was held at the MCAS Miramar Memorial Golf Course, ranked among the top eight military golf courses in the U.S. by Travel & Leisure Golf Magazine. In addition to the spectacular fairways and greens, golfers were treated to a breakfast, a Bloody Mary bar, lunch and drinks while aircraft from the show roared overhead. Crystal golf trophies and cups were awarded to the winners (see box).
“This year’s event was a great success,” said Manclark, “and we’re already looking forward to next year’s party. Mark your calendars now because you won’t want to miss it.”
About Leading Edge Aviation Services
Headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., with facilities across the United States, Leading Edge Aviation Services, Inc. is one of the most advanced, commercial aircraft services companies in the world. Specializing in commercial and military aircraft painting, the company also provides a wide range of commercial services, including fuel system servicing, mod-center support, contract labor, line-turn maintenance, composite and sheet metal, long and short term aircraft storage, field audits, fleet assessments, interior deep cleaning, and strip and painting services to various branches of the United States Military.
by admin on Sep 26, 2011, under Leading Edge Aviation News, Miramar Air Show
Golfing, sunset Hawaiian BBQ on the beach, world-class attractions, and the roar of the world’s most powerful aircraft thundering overhead. If you love the world’s most spectacular aircraft as much as we do, then you won’t want to miss the world-famous Miramar Air Show Friday September 30th & Saturday October 1st in sunny San Diego. Leading Edge, the worlds largest aircraft painting company will be there once again, entertaining friends and family from its spectacular VIP chalet, and enjoying a fun-filled round of golf as part of its 15th annual Air Show Golf Tournament.
“In addition to the stunning displays, demonstrations and aviation excellence, this show is really about taking the time to thank the friends, family and clients that have played such a vital part of our success,” said Mike Manclark, CEO, LEAS. “We try to make this fun for the whole family, with everything from barbecues on the beach and trips to local attractions, to fully-hosted meals and runway seating at our VIP chalet. It’s definitely an event you won’t want to miss.”
“Simply put, you won’t find a better view of the Miramar Air show unless you’re flying in it,” added Manclark. “As the event’s longest-standing VIP supporter, our corporate chalet seats are the best in the house. We’re proud to share this unbeatable view with the people whose trust and loyalty has made Leading Edge the number one partner of choice for aircraft painting services.”
Due to popular demand, Leading Edge Aviation will once again be hosting its Annual golf Tournament at MCAS Miramar Memorial Golf Course while the air show rages on overhead. The shotgun-style tourney will once again feature a full bloody mary bar, complimentary breakfast and lunch along with awards.
For more information on the Miramar Air Show, visit click here
by admin on Sep 22, 2011, under Uncategorized
Bookings Soar Bolstered by Major Fleet Contracts and New Hangars
Leading Edge Aviation Services (LEAS), the world’s largest aircraft painting company has shattered an industry record today, painting more than 400 aircraft in the first half of 2011. Bolstered by contracts from newly-merged airlines such as United and Delta, the company is reporting a record increase in bookings over last year, adding two new facilities in the process – one in Dallas, and another in Miami to keep up with demand.
“The numbers are in, and the message is clear. Nobody paints more aircraft for more airlines than Leading Edge,” said Mike Manclark, CEO, LEAS. “This is a true global milestone that we’ve worked toward for over 25 years, and we’re extremely proud of our team for their dedication and tenacity in making us the world’s best.”
With a total of seven facilities located in California, Mississippi, Texas, Florida and South Carolina, Leading Edge has the highest capacity of any commercial aircraft painting company in the world. As the industry’s largest and fastest-growing choice for global fleets, the company has been on a path of continuous growth since 1989, completing over 570 aircraft in 2010 alone.
“With strong bookings for the remainder of the year, and a push into new markets like VIP conversions, 2011 should be a banner year for Leading Edge,” added Manclark. “We`re more focused than ever on our customers, offering everything from new interiors to fuel-system maintenance to minimize downtime. It`s a tremendous value in today`s competitive landscape, and the market is clearly responding. We look forward to working with all of our customers in what we hope is another period of successful growth, unmatched served and commitment.
by admin on May 13, 2011, under Uncategorized
Leading Edge Selected to Paint New Boeing 787’s from South Carolina
Leading Edge
Leading Edge Aviation Services the largest commerical aircraft painting company in the world has been selected by The Boeing Company to provide the final painting and livery applications for all 787’s being delivered from the company’s new 787 Final Assembly & Delivery facility in North Charleston, South Carolina. The news means some big changes at Leading Edge’s Amarillo, TX facility, which has undertaken custom upgrades to its wide-body hangars to accommodate this very special aircraft from one of its newest customers.
“Its not every day that you get to be a part of something this historic,” said Mike Manclark, CEO of Leading Edge. “Boeing is a global leader in terms of quality and reliability, so this speaks volumes about our ability to outperform our competition, and work with the very best.”
He credits the company’s 20-year history of making thousands of quality aircraft deliveries to making the Boeing dream a reality. “I’m really proud of our staff for putting so much focus on quality and performance,” he added. “Together, we’ve made Leading Edge the painting partner of choice for aircraft of all shapes and sizes. We are proud to join Boeing on this historic contract, and look forward to working with them in the years ahead.” (more…)
by admin on May 4, 2011, under Uncategorized
Mike Manclark, CEO, Leading Edge Aviation Services
Leading Edge Aviation Services, the world’s largest commercial aircraft painting company, announced that it’s CEO, Mike Manclark is a semi-finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2011 Award. According to Ernst & Young LLP, the awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Manclark was selected as a semi-finalist by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a special gala event on June 11 at the Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach.
Manclark started the company over 20 years ago as a small aircraft detailing business at John Wayne Airport. Since then, he’s grown the company into the largest commercial aircraft painting company in the world with over 1300 employees from coast-to-coast that service over 600 aircraft a year. Today, no company paints more aircraft for more airlines than Leading Edge.
“Orange County has always been a hotbed of entrepreneurial spirit, so to be recognized amongst the area’s many successes is a real honor,” said Manclark. “This is a great place to live, work, and do business, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it. We thank the judges for their consideration, and look forward to participating in the awards gala this summer.”
The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards program celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 140 cities and over 50 countries throughout the world.
Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year national program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California on November 12, 2011. The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies, and is held from November 9-13, 2011.
About Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year® Awards Program
Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year® is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the unique way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.
Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young LLP is a client-serving member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited located in the U.S.
