AeroStar Named One of 50 Florida Companies to Watch

KISSIMMEE, Florida — AeroStar Training Services is pleased to announce 50 statewide companies expected to see significant growth over the next several years. AeroStar was selected to be included on this list from more than 500 nominees for Florida Companies to WatchSM, a statewide program managed by economic development group GrowFL, in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation.

AeroStar’s management team, competitive market position, and strong community involvement were among several factors that put them in contention for the award.

“These stand-out companies are all led by entrepreneurs, and have demonstrated their capacity and intent to grow,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, GrowFL executive director. “They also all have critical intellectual property or a niche position that gives them a competitive edge in their markets,” he said.

Deidra Toye, AeroStar’s owner and CEO said, “We are grateful for this opportunity to be recognized by GrowFL for our contribution to the aviation industry and to Central Florida’s economy. We look forward to continuing to partner with the community and other aviation organizations to train world-class pilots and overcome the existing pilot shortage.”

AeroStar is regarded by many as the best flight school in Florida.

Visit the full list on Aerostar's web site.

“This list recognizes second-stage Florida companies with passionate leaders who are making a difference in growing and diversifying our economy,” said Jennifer Barrows, GrowFL Chairman of the GrowFL Advisory Board and Business Development Executive with WithumSmith+Brown, PC. Second-stage companies are defined as those with 6 to 150 full-time employees and between $750,000 and $100 million in annual revenue. There are many programs and incubators promoting start-up businesses; GrowFL is the only Florida program that focuses exclusively on second-stage companies.

From 2015 through 2018, these companies generated $923 million in revenue and added 935 employees, reflecting a 123.9% increase in revenue and 131% increase in jobs for the four-year period. That translates into a 31% average annual revenue growth and 32.2% average annual growth in employees.

These companies projected continued growth in 2019, with a 34.8% revenue increase and 36.8% growth in employees compared to 2018. If their projections hold, these companies will have generated $1.38 billion in revenue and added 1,541 employees over the last five years — a 201.9% increase in revenue and 216% increase in jobs since 2015.

Companies named to the list will be officially recognized at the 9th Annual Florida Companies to Watch Celebration on November 14, 2019 at the Hard Rock Live, Universal City Walk in Orlando, FL. Tickets are on sale now for the awards ceremony.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.growfl.com/flctw19/about-flctw/

About AeroStar Training Services:

AeroStar Training Services is located in the Greater Orlando area, in the heart of Kissimmee, Florida. AeroStar provides the highest quality initial pilot training, ATP-CTP, Airbus & Boeing Type Ratings for the global aviation industry. AeroStar is an aviation school in Florida that delivers tangible, timely, and cost effective results. AeroStar was founded by a team of experienced aviation professionals in 2008 with a vision that aviation training should be affordable, state-of-the-art, and provide an enjoyable learning experience for all students. We focus on the highest quality training, yet making it affordable and flexible, to meet the needs of our customers’ busy schedules.

AeroStar Training Services
Media Contact: Robin Frey, Director of Marketing