Saturday, December 06, 2014

Aero-Flite: Forest fire-fighting aerospace company sets up headquarters in Spokane



Workers at Aero-Flite Inc., one of the nation's largest operators of forest fire-fighting aircraft, are setting up their new facility in Spokane, after moving from Arizona.

The expansion reflects a the rapid growth of aerospace companies in the Spokane area, which now collectively employ about 8,000 people.

Aero-Flite has moved its corporate offices and maintenance base into a 55,000-square-foot facility at Spokane International Airport, and is moving in aircraft, said Todd Woodard, spokesman for the airport. It had been located in Kingman, Ariz.

By February the company will employ 65 people in Spokane.

"It means job opportunities for local residents," he said of the move. "They have a high need for mechanics and technicians, and that's a strength of our region."

The company operates three land-based air tankers, an amphibious plane, and a passenger aircraft that flies people and equipment to forest fires.

The company generally operates between April and December, and will be doing offseason maintenance of its aircraft now, he said.

Another Spokane aerospace company, Associated Painters Inc., has been expanding its aircraft painting facilities there.

"We are extremely excited to welcome Aero-Flite to Spokane," said Spokane Mayor David Condon in a statement. "We have made significant investments over the years in aerospace business development, and this hangar in particular, to make Spokane's already-thriving aerospace industry stronger."


Source:  http://www.bizjournals.com

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