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Recently, Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support (GCS) officials announced it has finalized agreements with the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) and the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO) to open a new Hawker Beechcraft Services (HBS) aircraft maintenance facility at the New Castle Airport in Delaware. The facility will serve as the northeast regional service center for the HBS network and will ensure the world-class customer service and support expected from the industry's largest factory-owned service center network. It is expected to open in the second quarter of 2012.
"This decision means another great employer has chosen to locate in Delaware, bringing 100 new jobs over the next five years," said Delaware Governor Jack Markell. "In the short term, we're glad Hawker Beechcraft saw Delaware as the perfect fit for its maintenance operations and we will work to make sure they are happy here in the long term."
"Hawker Beechcraft is an international leader in the development, construction, and maintenance of aircraft and the DRBA is pleased to welcome a tenant of their reputation to the New Castle Airport," said Bill Lowe, DRBA Commission Chairman who noted that HBC's decision illustrates the airport's appeal to the aviation community. "The sky's the limit at New Castle Airport and we look forward to a successful, long-term relationship with Hawker Beechcraft."
Wilmington is an ideal location for the new service center due to several factors. First, its proximity to Hawker Beechcraft's installed base of customers makes it a convenient location for many regional operators. Secondly, the existing structure chosen closely matches the criterion that was set in developing requirements for a new northeast service center. Delaware is also home to a productive and talented work force. The Delaware River and Bay Authority and Delaware Economic Development Office were integral in the selection process.
"Hawker Beechcraft has a large fleet of customers residing in the Northeastern United States," said Christi Tannahill, Hawker Beechcraft vice president, GCS. "Our customers have been requesting a factory service facility in the region and, with a dedication to providing a world-class customer experience; we are pleased to be responding to their request.
Overall, the facility is approximately 60,000 square feet. This includes 40,000 square feet of hangar space, 8,500 square feet of back shop space and 10,000 square feet of office space. HBS is also investing to make the facility feel like the customer's home office. The upgraded facility will offer guest offices for customers to use while their aircraft is being serviced, with each workspace supplying full office amenities such as computers, Wi-Fi access, printers and phones.
The new location will be a full-service maintenance repair and overhaul facility offering airframe, engines, avionics and mobile service support for the company's entire product line from single-engine Bonanza aircraft to the super midsize Hawker 4000. A highly-experienced and factory-trained team of maintenance professionals will staff the facility. HBS will immediately begin interviewing for key technical positions. Interested applicants can review the current open positions at www.myhbjobs.com.
Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Hawker Beechcraft GCS is dedicated to improving the value of HBC aircraft by employing products and services to simplify aircraft ownership, reduce operating cost and increase resale value. GCS is comprised of four functional groups that include SupportPLUS (cost predictability/warranty programs), Hawker Beechcraft Parts & Distribution (genuine factory parts), HBS (factory-owned service centers) and Technical Support (Field Support Representatives, Hot Line specialists and Technical Publications).
About Hawker Beechcraft Corporation
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission and trainer aircraft - designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company's headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.
About the DRBA
The DRBA, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962, owns and operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May- Lewes Ferry, the Three Forts Ferry Crossing and the Salem Business Centre in Carney's Point Twp., NJ. The DRBA also manages corporate and aviation properties through its economic development powers - two airports in New Jersey (Millville Airport and Cape May Airport) and three in Delaware (New Castle Airport, Civil Air Terminal and Delaware Airpark). All DRBA operating revenues are generated through the bridge, ferry and airport facilities. For more information, visit www.drba.net.
About the Delaware Economic Development Office
The Delaware Economic Development Office is an executive state agency responsible for attracting new investors and businesses to the state, promoting the expansion of existing industry, assisting small and minority-owned businesses, promoting and developing tourism and creating new and improved employment opportunities for all citizens of the State. dedo.delaware.gov. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @DEDOgov.
