Our History

Proponent’s history began over 50 years ago as Kirkhill Aircraft Parts Company and has a long history of serving the aerospace industry. Today, as an employee-owned company, we work hard every day to add value to our suppliers’ and customers’ supply chains, helping ensure the future success of aviation businesses worldwide.

1972 - Kapco Global Founded

Kirkhill Aircraft Parts Company was founded. The company first began with a license agreement with McDonnell-Douglas to distribute about 600 proprietary spare parts. Sales were just under $600,000 the first year.

1981 - Relocated to Brea Offices

In January, we relocated to our current office in Brea, California.

2001 - Ball Glide Acquired

We acquired Ball Glide, a machine shop, which would help enhance our manufacturing capabilities. Ball Glide provides high-quality precision products, from small intricate parts to large complex products. It is highly specialized in turnkey services and multi-axis milling & turning, supported by exceptional project management to ensure timely completion and delivery.

2001 - Broke Ground for Groundbreaking New Facility

We broke ground for our new 100,000-square-foot facility in order to increase our warehouse capacity and efficiency. This state-of-the-art facility was the cornerstone for becoming a world-class supply chain solution to our customer base.

2003 - Valtec Aircraft Supply Acquired

We acquired Valtec Aircraft Supply. Founded in 1972, Valtec Aircraft Supply is a stocking distributor that supports the commercial airlines and independent repair facilities worldwide with a broad range of expendable, replacement sealing and clamp products. It earned a dominant position in the aerospace distribution industry as a result of specialization, and is one of the world’s largest suppliers of aircraft seals. Valtec provides high-quality parts at competitive pricing while consistently meeting customer delivery expectations.

2006 - Proponent and Valtec Integrate

2007 - HK Aerospace Acquired

HK Aerospace joined our company. HK served as a supplier of electrical connectors and related components for the manufacture, modification, installation and repair of aircraft IFE systems, avionics, interior wiring and harnessing in most all current commercial aircraft in service today.

2008 - Avialec International Acquired

Avialec International was acquired. They served as a prime interconnect specialist supporting Airbus and Boeing; offering aerospace connectors, accessories, relays and wires; specializing in VAD connector build; and meeting customer-specific requirements. Avialec provides a complete integrated logistic service for all electrical components and complete harness management and supply.

2009 - Boone Extend Acquired

The company acquired Boone Extend – a distributor of electrical, electromechanical and mechanical components for the aerospace and defense industries – based in the UK, France and the United States.

2010 - Wings Electro Sales Acquired

We acquired Wings Electro Sales, a distributor of electro mechanical components and ground support expendables. Located in Wellington, Florida, Wings was established in 1985 with the goal to provide the airline industry with superior-quality electro mechanical components, electrical hardware and components for airline ground support equipment. We believe that Wings is a great addition to our product portfolio, and allows us to provide a broader range of aerospace electrical connectors and components to our current and potential customer base.

2012 - AAXICO Joins the Family

AAXICO, founded in 1952, joined the family with 60 years of aviation excellence. Established on the principles of integrity, service and convenience, they gradually established an unparalleled reputation and presence in all corners of the aviation market. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, AAXICO has offices worldwide and distribution facilities in the United States, Europe and Asia. They are both manufacturers and distributors of a variety of aviation products, including avionics, lighting, engine-related equipment, sensors, indicators and bearings.

2016 - Avio-Diepen Partnership Begins

Our partnership with Avio-Diepen made us the world’s largest independent aerospace distributor. With more than 70 years of experience in the aerospace market, Avio-Diepen delivers reliable service to customers in more than 100 countries. Avio-Diepen, headquartered in the Netherlands, has stocking locations and customer service centers located in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Sao Paulo, Singapore and Sydney.

2017 - D+C-Airparts Battery Acquired

We acquired German battery distribution company D+C-Airparts Battery in Europe GmbH. D+C-Airparts is an authorized distributor for companies, including Saft, Marathon and Hawker. This acquisition will help us further expand our service and repair offerings while maintaining the highest standards of quality and customer care.

2017 - Proponent Identity Launches

The Proponent brand was introduced at MRO Europe.

2018 - Kapco Officially Becomes Proponent

Proponent becomes the formal trade name for all Kirkhill Aircraft Parts Co. entities.

2020 - Proponent Opens New Singapore Facility

We opened up our new Singapore facility. With 1,100 square meters of operations space and 700 square meters of office space, the new facility will be Proponent's main distribution hub for the Asia Pacific region.

2020 - Pacific Air Logistics Acquired

Proponent acquires California-based Pacific Air Logistics (part of Boone Aerospace). Pacific Air Logistics is one of the largest suppliers of replacement parts for helicopters. This acquisition will help us further expand our portfolio of increasing parts across the aviation market.