Reporting for AviTrader’s MRO 360 Magazine, David Dundas traces AJW Group’s journey, starting in 1932, when AJW’s founder, Anthony James (Jim) Walter’s passion for flying saw the Piper Cub aircraft manufacturers giving him sole distribution rights in Europe – AJW was born.  

Jim Walter expanded the business until the outbreak of WWII in 1939, when the company’s airfield was requisitioned by the War Office. It wasn’t until the early 1950s that the property was returned, at which point Jim shifted focus from private aircraft sales to military surplus. Today, the Whiteside family leads the company, having acquired the business in 1961. Current chairman, Christopher Whiteside, has now headed the organisations for over 30 years. 

Growing the business 

In 1999, the company began focusing on the latest generation Airbus and Boeing aircraft and powered up its flight hour contract support. In 2012 AJW opened its new state-of-the-art headquarters in Slinfold, West Sussex. In the same year it launched AJW Technique, the Group’s 220,000 sq. ft. core repair service provider located in Montreal, one of the top three aerospace capitals of the world. The launch of AJW Technique marked AJW’s entry into the component MRO sector and strengthened supply chain integration.

Over the next decade, AJW broadened its support to leading airlines, diversified into business and defence aviation, and extended its MRO operations across Europe. In 2022, the Group secured a global sole distributorship with Honeywell and achieved Woodward Inc. LAMP status.  

The company also utilises the e-Marketplace with AJW® eventory online shop, and an interactive customer portal available 24/7/365.  

Most recently, AJW invested heavily in the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 platforms, growing its global inventory to over US$500 million. Nearly a century after Jim Walter’s vision, the company continues to combine industry expertise with the personal touch and agility that have defined it from the start. 

 A continuing legacy 
 
Looking to the future, AJW Group values partnerships that align with its business and create mutual benefit through complementary strengths. The company continuously enhances its services by expanding MRO capabilities, collaborating with OEMs to deliver cost and service efficiencies, and investing in modern aircraft assets to support its global customers. With more than 10 international approvals, it remains committed to strengthening strategic partnerships, maintaining its reputation for service excellence, and driving innovation to transform aviation efficiency.