Saturday, February 13, 2021

New aircraft maintenance company opens at Davidson County Airport (KEXX)


Davidson County Airport continues to grow with the addition of a new aircraft maintenance company.

In the past few months, the airport has added a new approach lighting system,  rehabilitated it's runway. In addition, there are plans to add new hangars in 2021.

More:Davidson County Airport is installing new approach lighting. Here's why it is needed.

On Feb. 1 Sky Aircraft Maintenance opened its doors at the airport. The company specializes in Hawkers, Beechjets and Learjet aircraft. Among other things, the full-service aircraft maintenance operation services jet engines and aircraft interior completions.

“We already have six technicians on site and expect that number to grow to as many as 20 as the business ramps up,” said Thomasville resident Steve Trent, the director of maintenance for Sky Aircraft.

Tom Conlan, owner of Sky Aviation Holdings based in Florida and the parent company of Sky Aircraft Maintenance, said they selected the Davidson County Airport because of its skilled workforce, easy access to Interstate 85 and proximity to Charlotte.

“We also found a friendly community with a pro-business attitude,” Conlan said. “We fully expect to grow this business and have already begun discussions with the airport authority to build a larger hangar.

Sky Aircraft Maintenance is the second aircraft maintenance company to locate at the county airport. Superior Arrow Group is also located there.

"Sky Aircraft Maintenance joins a growing list of companies who are now based at the field including Fly High Lexington, RCR Air, Superior Aero Services, Superior Grounds Management, Wake Forest Baptist Health and Metro Aviation,” said John Gray, chairman of the Davidson County Airport Authority.

“Sky reaches an entirely new type of customer and their plans for growth come at just the right time following the airport’s near completion of a new approach lighting system, built for increased safety and easier access for corporate jet tenants and transient jet traffic. It will be the first system of its kind in North Carolina to cross an interstate highway."

The airport has experienced steady growth in the past several years supported by an Economic Impact Study from the North Carolina Division of Aviation. Through direct and indirect means the airport impacts 520 jobs, contributes $2.8 million in tax revenue from 75 based aircraft and sees 29,000 annual operations for a total economic impact of $70.9 million. 

The airport has a current waitlist of more than 50 aircraft searching for hangar space in the area. A runway rehabilitation project scheduled to begin in late 2021 will also enhance the overall operational safety and customer experience on the field. 

"My company buys and sells planes...," said Trent. "In buying they want to keep maintenance up on those planes. If there is a private jet that needs maintenance, we will accommodate their needs."

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