Expanded Business Operations For Two Companies Will Bring Jobs, Help Boost The Region's Economy

The Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) broke ground Monday on a new 150,000-square-foot hangar at Cecil Airport to accommodate the expansion of Flightstar Aircraft Services, Inc. Flightstar's business expansion is expected to generate 250 new aviation-related jobs.

The $27 million project is the largest building project ever undertaken by JAA at Cecil Airport, and is being financed equally by the JAA and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Under the agreement with Flightstar, JAA will build the hangar and office facility on 11.5 acres of airport property. Upon completion, JAA will lease the land and Hangar 935 to Flightstar for commercial aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). The project is expected to be completed by late 2014. Flightstar currently leases two MRO hangars and one large warehouse/storage building at Cecil Airport from the Authority.
 
"We're proud to see Flightstar expand their operations at Cecil Airport," said JAA CEO and Executive Director Steve Grossman. "They've been a tremendous tenant, and this project is a huge win for all of us."  
 
Today's celebration also included an official ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the completion of a new $6 million hangar and office facility for Cecil Airport's newest tenant, KCI Aviation.  The West Virginia-based corporate/private aircraft maintenance and repair organization will utilize the 30,000 square feet of office, workshop and hangar space for its Southeast business expansion.  KCI Aviation is also expected to bring more high-wage jobs to the area.
 
"The development opportunities at Cecil Airport are allowing businesses to grow and operate where there is already a talented and skilled workforce," said Grossman. "And it's a boost for local economic development."
 
Other aviation entities currently at Cecil Airport include The Boeing Company, Jacksonville Jetport, U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Army National Guard, US Customs & Border Protection, US Navy Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, LSI, Florida State College at Jacksonville Aviation Center of Excellence, Engility, Robinson Aviation and Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department.

(Cecil field pictured in ANN staff photo)

FMI: www.flyjacksonville.com