The Blackhawk Group, a major player in the aviation retrofit and upgrade market, is setting its sights on continued growth as it reaches a significant milestone — the delivery of its 2,000th Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engine upgrade.
Speaking at the recent EAA AirVenture show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, CEO Chad Cundiff outlined the company’s vision to tap further into the aftermarket segment, focusing on owner-flown, high-performance turboprops such as the Pilatus PC-12, Daher TBM, and Piper Meridian.
“With the high cost of new aircraft and lengthy delivery times, owners are seeing real value in upgrading their current fleets,” said Cundiff.
“By enhancing engine performance, avionics and propellers, we’re not just boosting utility — we’re increasing aircraft value. Many upgrades pay for themselves when the aircraft is sold.”
The Blackhawk Group is owned by New State Capital Partners and comprises three core brands: Avex, a Daher TBM sales and maintenance provider; Blackhawk, which specialises in performance upgrades; and Finoff Aviation Products, the PC-12 upgrade division.
The company also operates a growing network of Blackhawk Performance Centres (BPCs), the latest of which is located at Glendale Municipal Airport in Arizona, rebranded following the acquisition of Glendale Aero Services.
The firm is actively expanding its scope, having recently signed an agreement to upgrade a Piper Meridian to the PT6A-135 engine, expected to deliver faster climb rates and up to 20% fuel savings. A seven-blade propeller is also under development with MT Propeller as part of the package.
Other notable upgrades in the pipeline include compatibility between Collins Aerospace’s Fusion avionics and PT6A-67A engines on King Air 300/350s, aligning with the latest Beechcraft factory standards.
In terms of capability, Blackhawk’s Broomfield, Colorado centre is now at full capacity, predominantly installing Garmin G1000 avionics on King Airs. In Columbia, Missouri, its BPC was the first facility to retrofit a King Air 200 with Garmin’s autothrottle and autoland systems, following FAA certification earlier this year.
The milestone delivery of the 2,000th PT6A engine since Blackhawk’s founding in 1999 represents a high point in the company’s journey. The XP Engine programmes offered by Blackhawk include several models such as the PT6A-52, -61, -67A, -67P, -66D, -135A, and -140, offering aircraft owners a modern alternative to expensive overhauls.
“This milestone is more than a number — it’s a reflection of the trust our customers place in us and our partnership with Pratt & Whitney Canada,” said Cundiff. “Legacy aircraft still have untapped potential, and we’re here to help owners unlock it.”
Looking ahead, Blackhawk is evaluating new supplemental type certificates (STCs) and expanding its BPC network. With growing interest in in-flight connectivity, the company is also exploring how to fit Starlink Mini antennas to smaller aircraft like the TBM, overcoming current space limitations.
“We’re not just about upgrades; we’re about innovation,” added Cundiff. “That’s the kind of thing we like doing.”
With demand for upgrades showing no signs of slowing, The Blackhawk Group appears well positioned to continue reshaping the future of high-performance legacy aircraft.