
SJC · Norman Y. Mineta International · Bay Area
Where Excellence Meets The Ramp
Premium mobile aircraft detailing and ceramic coating for private owners, Part 135 charter operators, and corporate flight departments across San Jose, Silicon Valley, and the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
Fully Insured with Hangarkeepers
10yr Ceramic Warranty
5.0★ Google Rating
AOG 24/7 Response
What We Do
Cabin sanitation, leather restoration, carpet extraction, cockpit detailing.
Hand wash, belly degreasing, brightwork polishing, exhaust and bug removal.
System X Max G+ (Boeing-approved), System X certified installer, 10-year warranty.
Specialty Services
Multi-stage swirl and oxidation removal for a flawless finish prior to ceramic coating.
Learn MoreFull exterior and interior service brought directly to your hangar or ramp.
Learn MoreNuvite F7/S/G6 polishing of aluminum, spinners, exhaust stacks, and trim.
Learn MoreRestores faded, chalky paint and removes UV damage to bring back gloss.
Learn MoreRemoves exhaust streaking, oil, and grime from belly and underside surfaces.
Learn MoreFull detail for aircraft changing hands, timed around inspection and delivery.
Learn MorePBS Prep and Seal cleaning and rejuvenation for turboprop de-ice boots.
Learn MoreRapid cabin resets between charter legs, coordinated to your departure window.
Learn MoreDeep hot water extraction that removes embedded dirt, stains, and odors.
Learn MoreCleaning, conditioning, crack repair, and color-matched cabin leather restoration.
Learn MoreWHO-compliant cabin insecticide treatment for international routes, with documentation for arrival authorities.
Learn MoreService Area
Premium aircraft detailing services available on-site at major airports throughout the San Francisco Bay Area
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport
Buchanan Field Airport
Livermore Municipal Airport
Hayward Executive Airport
Palo Alto Airport
Reid-Hillview Airport
Napa County Airport
San Carlos Airport
San Francisco International Airport
Oakland International Airport
Sonoma County Airport
Lake Tahoe Airport
Watsonville Municipal Airport
By Application Only
Designed for Part 135 charter operators and aircraft management companies that demand consistent presentation standards across their fleet.
Priority scheduling, dedicated account management, and volume programs built around your operational tempo.
Quick-Turn Cabin Reset
60-90 minute rapid cabin refresh between charter legs. Passenger-ready presentation every time.
Pre-Passenger Presentation Detail
Comprehensive cabin and exterior preparation before VIP arrivals. White-glove standards.
Recurring Fleet Maintenance
Scheduled detailing programs tailored to fleet size, utilization rates, and operational cadence.
COI and Documentation
Full insurance documentation, Certificates of Insurance, and compliance paperwork on file.
Our Story
Empire Aircraft Detailing was founded by Kevin Zhao, a former professional ramp agent who spent years handling aircraft on the line. That experience taught him something most detailers never learn: how to move around an aircraft with precision, respect every surface, and understand the operational demands of flight departments.
Every Empire detail reflects that ramp discipline. We don't just clean aircraft — we prepare them for departure. Our Departure Assurance Protocol, FOD-aware procedures, and ramp-compliant operations set us apart from conventional detailing services.
“The ramp taught me that every aircraft deserves to be handled like a departure is in 30 minutes. That urgency and care defines every detail we deliver.”— Kevin Zhao, Founder
Fully Insured & Bonded
$20M commercial liability, $10M general liability, and $1M hangarkeepers insurance — protecting your aircraft while it is in our care, custody, and control. Certificates of Insurance provided on request.
System X Certified Installer
Boeing-approved System X Max G+ ceramic coating with manufacturer-backed 10-year warranty.
Departure Assurance Protocol
Timestamped condition reports, before-and-after documentation, departure-ready verification.
Ramp-Compliant Operations
FOD-aware procedures, proper aircraft handling, and safety protocols from professional ramp experience.
AOG 24/7 Response
Available around the clock for urgent detailing needs. Quick-turn resets and emergency service.
Industry Affiliations
National Business Aviation Association
Member
Experimental Aircraft Association
Member
Aviation Detailing Association
MemberOur Work
Real results on real aircraft. Every detail documented through our Departure Assurance Protocol.

Pre-service condition documented on arrival

Departure-ready. Empire Standard.
Every service includes timestamped before-and-after documentation as part of our Departure Assurance Protocol.
Aircraft We Service
Cessna 172/182, Piper Cherokee/Archer, Diamond DA40, Mooney M20
Cirrus SR22/SR22T, Beechcraft Bonanza, Piper Malibu/Mirage, Baron 58
TBM 930/940, Pilatus PC-12, King Air C90/200/350, Piper Meridian PA-46
Citation CJ1–CJ4, Phenom 100/300, HondaJet, Eclipse 500
Citation Sovereign/XLS, Challenger 300/350, Hawker 800, Praetor 500/600
Gulfstream G550/G650, Global 6000/7500, Challenger 604/650, Falcon 7X/8X
Note: Ceramic coating is completely banned on Cirrus SR20/SR22 composite airframes per Cirrus Service Advisory SA25-02. We never ceramic coat a Cirrus — we protect it with safe, manufacturer-appropriate wash, paint correction, and sealant services instead.
Client Feedback
“Kevin did an outstanding job on my Bonanza. The attention to detail is remarkable — every surface was meticulously cleaned and the brightwork looks factory-new. His ramp agent background really shows in how carefully he handles the aircraft.”
Robert M.
Beechcraft Bonanza • KRHV
“Incredible work on our E45. The interior leather restoration brought the cabin back to life. Professional, punctual, and clearly understands aircraft surfaces. Will be using Empire for all our fleet maintenance detailing.”
Michael T.
Beechcraft Bonanza E45
“Had the full exterior detail done on my SR22 at San Carlos. Kevin was thorough and knowledgeable about composite care. The paint correction work was flawless. Highly recommend for any Cirrus owner.”
Christian G.
Cirrus SR22 • KSQL
“Best aircraft detailing experience I've had. Kevin arrived on time at Livermore, set up efficiently, and delivered results that exceeded expectations. The ceramic coating has kept the aircraft looking pristine months later.”
DA40 Owner
Diamond DA40 • KLVK
Get Started
Configure your detailing service in six simple steps.
Questions
We provide mobile aircraft detailing throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area, serving airports including KSJC (home base), KRHV, KCCR, KLVK, KHWD, KPAO, KAPC, KSQL, KSFO, KOAK, KSTS, and seasonally KTVL (Lake Tahoe) and KWVI (Watsonville). We come to your aircraft at your hangar or FBO — no need to reposition.
Yes. Empire Aircraft Detailing carries $20M in commercial liability, $10M in general liability, and $1M in hangarkeepers coverage specifically for aviation operations. Hangarkeepers protects your aircraft while it is in our care, custody, and control during service — a level of protection many detailers cannot offer. We provide Certificates of Insurance (COI) on request for FBO and operator requirements.
We use System X Max G+ (Boeing-approved) across all aircraft surfaces with a 10-year warranty. As System X certified installers, we apply the full System X product line for both painted and aluminum surfaces. Our Empire Shield tier provides 2-year protection, while Empire Excellence provides 10-year protection.
Absolutely. We offer dedicated fleet care programs for Part 135 operators including quick-turn cabin resets between legs, pre-passenger presentation details, recurring maintenance scheduling, and full COI documentation. Our $20M commercial liability, $10M general liability, and $1M hangarkeepers coverage meets the insurance requirements of demanding charter operations.
Yes — and we do it in full compliance with Cirrus guidance. Per Cirrus Service Advisory SA25-02, ceramic coating is completely prohibited on Cirrus SR20/SR22 composite airframes. We will never apply ceramic coating to your Cirrus. Instead, we provide safe, manufacturer-appropriate wash, paint correction, sealant, and interior services that protect your investment without violating Cirrus restrictions or risking your warranty.
Reach out directly. We respond to all inquiries within 2 hours during business hours.