Hundreds of New Aviation-related Jobs Expected for Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, December 17, 2012 – The Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) today announced that it will build a new 150,000-square-foot hangar at Cecil Airport to accommodate expansion of Flightstar Aircraft Services, Inc. operation, which is expected to generate 350 to 400 new aviation-related jobs.

The new $27 million hangar, which is being financed equally by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and JAA, will be the largest building project ever undertaken by JAA at Cecil Airport.

Under the agreement with Flightstar, JAA will build the hangar and office facility on 11.5 acres of airport property. The project also includes an adjoining aircraft apron and vehicle parking lot.

Upon completion, JAA will lease the land and Hangar 935 to Flightstar for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) at Cecil Airport.  Flightstar currently leases two MRO hangars and one large warehouse/storage building at Cecil Airport from the Authority. 

“Flightstar has been a significant tenant at Cecil Airport, and we are thrilled to see them expand their operations,” said JAA Chairman A.L. Kelly. “The decision to build Hangar 935 is beneficial for both Flightstar and the Airport, and will add a welcome boost to the Jacksonville economy.”

JAA is providing $13.5 million for the project. FDOT is matching that with a $13.5 million contribution. Should the cost of construction exceed the total JAA and FDOT project participation of $27 million, any additional cost would be Flightstar’s responsibility under the terms of the lease.