Governor Susana Martinez announced that AerSale, an international supplier of aftermarket aircraft, will create 50 new jobs at the Roswell International Air Center. New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) Cabinet Secretary Jon Barela, Roswell Mayor Dennis Kintigh, and AerSale CEO Nicolas Finazzo joined Governor Martinez for the announcement.
"We have worked hard to make New Mexico competitive with surrounding states, and that work is paying dividends. Our aviation industry is no exception," said Governor Martinez. "Our tax reforms, like eliminating the tax on the sale of commercial aircraft, are showing clear results, and I am pleased to have AerSale as our latest partner in this continued growth."
In March, Governor Martinez signed legislation eliminating the sales tax on the purchase of aircraft over 10,000 pounds, a move that is spurring growth in New Mexico's aviation industry. Before this change in tax policy, New Mexico taxed the sale of commercial aircraft. This led to pilots simply flying to neighboring states to complete aircraft sales.
AerSale's Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Finazzo commented, "AerSale appreciates Governor Martinez's enthusiasm and support of the growing aviation industry here in Roswell and across the State of New Mexico.
We have directly benefited from her unwavering commitment to new job creation at our Roswell facilities."
New Mexico is home to more than 100 aviation-related businesses and has unlimited growth potential.
Governor Martinez recently announced that Google will invest $15 million in a research and development and manufacturing facility in Moriarty, where they will develop and test unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The Governor also announced that New Mexico will invest $1 million in Local Economic Development (LEDA) funding to provide water and other infrastructure improvements. Combined, these efforts will help create more than 200 aviation and aerospace-related jobs at the Moriarty Municipal Airport and the nearby industrial park.
"New Mexico has tremendous assets in it aviation infrastructure and its improved tax climate for this industry," said Secretary Barela. "We are working hard to promote our state to these businesses as we work to replace the jobs that have been lost in cuts by the federal government.”