McDermott Aviation, LLC and Isolair, Inc. will locate its business operations at the South Alabama Regional Airport in Covington County. The move will bring about 30 new jobs to the area, reports the Andalusia Star-News.
McDermott Aviation, based in Australia, is that country's largest privately-owned helicopter company. Joining McDermott is Isolair Helicopter Systems based in Oregon, which has been manufacturing quality helicopter systems for the firefighting, agricultural, and forest industry for the past 40 years. The two companies have been business partners for many years.
McDermott Aviation recently completed the acquisition of 12 Bell 214 ST helicopters, reports the Star-News, and have been seeking a North American operation center.
“We had a local contact tell us about the South Alabama Regional Airport and the reception we received was amazing,” said McDermott Air President John McDermott. “Working with SARA Executive Director Jed Blackwell, Covington County Economic Development Director Rick Clifton, and local officials made our difficult acquisition and site location decision a lot easier. We are happy to be a part of the Covington County community.”
“We saw the opportunity to grow our business by relocating to Covington County. We have found that Alabama is truly business friendly and that is exactly what we need as we make this big transition,” said Michael Powell, president of Isolair. “My wife, Terry, and I are looking forward to making Covington County our home.”
The project was negotiated and approved by the Covington County Economic Development Commission, the South Alabama Regional Airport Board, the Covington County Commission, and the cities of Opp and Andalusia.