Located in Mena, Arkansas, the company was founded by Jack Rose, who built the business alongside his wife Norma. Today, siblings Keith Rose and Brenda Sloan proudly uphold the legacy, leading a team of 60 hard-working professionals in their 300,000-square-foot facility.
A Legacy of Growth and Innovation
What started as a small maintenance shop on a grass strip that, on a busy day, maybe saw a dozen airplanes has grown into one of the region's most respected and productive aerospace maintenance facilities. Rose Aircraft specializes in a wide array of maintenance services, with a particular emphasis on interior work and exterior paint. This focus complements their maintenance operations, creating a seamless customer service experience.
However, the roots of Rose's upholstery services can be traced back to Jack's mother, a skilled seamstress and instrumental member of the Rose Aircraft story. In fact, in those early days, whenever an aircraft needed interior work, she would do all of the mending and repairs, thus laying the groundwork for what would later become a crucial aspect of the company's offerings.
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The Roses' expertise in working with upholstery materials didn't come from formal training but from an advertisement in a magazine dating back to the late '60s. At that time, interior refurbishment services were few and far between, allowing Rose Aircraft Services to quickly carve out a niche in the market.
By 1972, the demand for their unique services had grown so substantially that they employed five seamstresses operating in a dedicated workspace. This expansion marked the beginning of Rose Aircraft Services' rise as a key player in the aviation maintenance industry, specializing in interior refurbishment. This family legacy continues to influence the company's operations, contributing to its enduring success.
Over the years, the Rose Aircraft has expanded its capabilities to include advanced modifications like Tamarack Active Winglets, Wi-Fi installations (primarily with GoGo), cabin entertainment, inspections, and general upgrades such as LED lighting. Their core business revolves around interior refurbishing, with King Air and Citation aircraft being their primary focus.
Rose Aircraft Services prides itself on being more than just a company; it's a family where everyone makes the organization work. Their culture is deeply rooted in integrity and involvement. They value cross-training their staff to provide opportunities for growth and versatility, promoting a balanced and supportive work environment.
Their commitment to quality and consistency is evident in their decision to reduce annual painting projects from over a hundred to 50-60. This strategic move allows them to maintain high standards without compromising service delivery.
As it approaches its 60th year in business, Rose Aircraft Services continues to evolve and adapt to the changing industry landscape. They are dedicated to growth but understand the importance of maintaining a healthy business that ensures longevity.
One exciting development is their partnership with Tamarack Aerospace. Keith Rose sees tremendous potential for growth in this collaboration, particularly with their focus on King Air and Citation aircraft. He would love to see two or three simultaneous modifications in the shop at any given time — predicting a significant increase when the King Air 200 & 350 installs become more prevalent.
For those considering Rose Aircraft Services for their maintenance needs, Keith Rose wants to assure you of their commitment to helping you achieve your goals. Whether you're selling your plane or buying your dream aircraft, their team is dedicated to making your dreams come true.
Keith Rose says, "I'm 65, and I want to end this career on a good, solid note...The last several years have been difficult for the industry — especially with COVID. From labor shortages to supply chain issues… we've weathered the storm and learned a lot along the way. But I see tremendous opportunity — and I know there are so many areas Rose Aircraft can continue to expand and improve."
It definitely sounds like the kind of legacy and outlook Jack Rose would be proud of.
So, whether you need routine maintenance, a complete interior refurbishment, whole body paint, or any other innovative modification, Rose Aircraft Services is ready to exceed your expectations with its unwavering commitment to quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction.
After all, they've been doing just that for nearly six decades!
To learn more about Rose Aircraft and its wide range of services, please visit roseaircraft.com
