Builds Upon Network Of Factory-Owned Service Centers

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) broke ground last week to expand its Hawker Beechcraft Services (HBS) aircraft maintenance and service facility at the Indianapolis International Airport. The $14 million investment will include dramatic enhancements that consist of a state-of-the-art maintenance center and the creation of up to 50 new jobs.

"Our commitment to providing superior service and support to our customers worldwide is displayed today as we celebrate the ground breaking of our Indianapolis HBS facility expansion," said Bill Brown, president, Global Customer Service and Support. "This development, in addition to the new Mesa HBS facility announced earlier this year, is part of a major growth plan for HBS that is focused on providing the industry's best customer support."

The ground-breaking ceremony took place October 17, near the existing location. The facility expansion will include a new 6,500-square-foot terminal and a 40,000-square-foot service hangar with 20,000 square feet of back shops and administrative offices.

The expanded facility will also offer guest offices for customers to use while their aircraft is being serviced, with each workspace supplying full office amenities including computers, Wi-Fi access, printers, phones and conference rooms with a view of the shop floor. The expansion also includes a new product showroom that will showcase the newest in avionics and interior options, as well as engine and airframe maintenance programs.

The new service center will serve the entire Hawker Beechcraft aircraft line, and is expected to open during Q2 2009 -- with 24-hour operations beginning within several months of the opening.

Indianapolis is one of nine US locations where HBS plans to significantly expand its customer service and maintenance offerings. Headquartered in Wichita, HBS has leased space in Indianapolis for 37 years and has 43 full-time employees. HBS expects to add an additional 40 to 50 jobs over the next three to five years once the development is complete.

The HBS network includes 12 factory-owned service centers, located domestically and internationally, which deliver maintenance, overhaul, repair and upgrade solutions to private, corporate and government customers worldwide.

FMI: www.hawkerbeechcraft.com