ABOUT US

Providing Innovative Solutions Since 1984


Aircraft & Commercial Enterprises (A.C.E.®) is a small, woman-owned distributor headquartered in Derby, Kansas. Our reach extends across North America, serving the Aerospace & Defense, Rail, and Shipboard industries. With years of experience in these industries, our team has the knowledge and resources to source virtually any product our customers need.

Founded in 1984 by Jo & Grant Helmer, along with their son Mike, A.C.E.® started as a small operation in an office behind their home. In 1991, the company had grown enough to open an office in Rose Hill, Kansas, and over the years, A.C.E.® has relocated several times while remaining locally owned and operated in Derby. Today, Aircraft & Commercial Enterprises continues as a family-run business. Leadership is gradually transitioning to the next generation under Sam, Mike’s daughter, to carry forward the company’s vision while maintaining its woman-owned business status. Mike remains actively involved in day-to-day operations, working alongside Sam to ensure a seamless transition and continued growth. Supported by an outstanding sales team across the U.S., A.C.E.® is positioned for a strong future while staying true to its family values and customer-first commitment.

Our specialties span a broad range of products and services, including the distribution of connectors, backshells, identification solutions, printers, & software, wire harness protection products, and more. We also provide custom solutions for armored land vehicles, communication equipment, space and missile applications, unmanned aircraft, and military aircraft. Above all, A.C.E.® remains committed to delivering exceptional quality and prioritizing customer satisfaction, ensuring our clients receive reliable, innovative, and tailored solutions for their unique requirements.




CERTIFICATIONS

Aircraft & Commercial Enterprises strives for excellence in every aspect of business. As a result, we have achieved several certifications.
Certification

ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Certification

AS9100D Certified

Certification

AS9120B Certified

Certification

SAM SDB Certified


AWARDS

As a testament of our hard work and efforts, Aircraft & Commercial Enterprises has earned various awards.
Award Award Hover

Boeing Supplier Excellence Award

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Kansas Minority Business of the Year

Nominated by Hawker/Beechcraft

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Northrop Grumman Platinum Preferred Award

(Sustaining Customer Quality + Delivery Expectations)

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Northrop Grumman Platinum Preferred Award

(Superior + Sustained Excellence)

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Army Aviation Association

Certificate of Industry Membership

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Railway System Suppliers, Inc.

Certificate of Membership


Product Support

  • Inside sales force with more than 87 years combined experience
  • Outside sales force with more than 72 years combined experience
  • Customer support and engineering support
  • Identification solutions
  • Replacement sourcing