Duncan Aviation Announces Battle Creek Leadership Changes

Duncan Aviation's Justin Merkling will bring his 14 years of leadership in the Battle Creek Engine Shop to his new role as Manager of Customer Service for the Battle Creek facility. Click image for high-res download.

LINCOLN, NEB. — Duncan Aviation is pleased to announce an upcoming leadership change at its Battle Creek, Michigan, facility. Effective July 1, Justin Merkling will assume the role of Manager of Customer Service, while Luke Swager will transition into the position of Engine Shop Manager.

Merkling has successfully led the Engine Shop for more than 14 years, providing consistent leadership and deep technical expertise. His experience and dedication have made a lasting impact on the shop’s performance and culture. In his new role, Merkling will bring his leadership strengths to the Customer Service team.

With 20 years of experience on the Customer Service team, including eight in a management role, Swager brings a strong understanding of customer expectations and a passion for service excellence. His commitment to delivering outstanding customer experiences and driving continuous improvement will serve the Engine Shop well in his new position.

"After many years of dedicated service in their respective roles, Justin and Luke will transition into each other's positions,” explained Chad Doehring, Vice President of Customer Service for all Duncan Aviation locations. “This change presents new personal and professional challenges, while allowing both to apply their extensive experience in innovative ways, thereby fostering continued growth within their respective departments.”

To ensure a seamless transition, Merkling and Swager will work closely together over the next two-and-a-half months. This collaboration will allow them to align on departmental processes, team expectations, and long-term goals, putting both departments in line for continued success throughout the future.

Duncan Aviation remains dedicated to developing strong leaders and supporting internal growth opportunities. This transition reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, leadership development, and operational excellence.

About Duncan Aviation

Duncan Aviation is an aircraft service provider supporting the aviation needs of business aircraft operators, government agencies, and other aircraft service providers. Services include major and minor airframe inspections, engine maintenance, major retrofits for cabin and cockpit avionics systems, full paint and interior services, engineering and certification services, fabrication and manufacturing services, and preowned aircraft sales and acquisitions. Duncan Aviation also has international aircraft components solutions experts available 24/7/365 at +1 402.475.4125 who can handle any aircraft system problem with immediate exchanges, rotables, loaners or avionics/instrument/accessory repairs and overhauls. Complete service facilities are located in Battle Creek, Michigan; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Provo, Utah. We also have dozens of other facilities strategically located throughout the United States to provide customers with scheduled regional support and the quickest response possible to avionics, engine and airframe Aircraft On Ground (AOG) situations.

For more information about any of Duncan Aviation’s services, call +1 402.475.2611 or visit https://www.DuncanAviation.aero/services