StandardAero is working alongside the state of Georgia and the Augusta Economic Development Authority (AEDA) to build an 80,500-ft.² hangar expansion at its MRO facility at Augusta Regional Airport (AGS).
According to StandardAero, the new facility will increase its footprint at AGS by more than 60%, with construction expected to complete in 2025.
“The current facility was built in the 1970’s, when aircraft were a lot smaller,” says Chris Bodine, vice president and general manager of StandardAero’s Augusta facility. “The new facility will allow us to support additional super mid-size to large cabin aircraft for airframe and avionics while also significantly expanding our engine shop to further support many of those aircraft."
Herbert L. Judon Jr., the airport’s executive director, describes the project as the airport’s largest business development in generations.
“This expansion is a key building block for future airport growth,” he says. “We are very fortunate to have partnerships, both private and public, that work closely together to bring this to fruition. The expansion will not only generate significant regional economic impact, but it will also provide support to our efforts to educate local youth and increase workforce development.”
The project was made possible via a grant for site preparation work and construction secured by AEDA and AGS. In addition to the grant, the state of Georgia will offer job tax credits, alongside additional incentives.
“I’m excited about StandardAero’s continued investment in South Richmond County," says Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson. "The expansion of their facilities includes hangar space for aircraft and avionics maintenance, repair, and overhaul work, an additional engine shop, offices, increased parking and more."
The expansion will facilitate work on larger aircraft, Johnson says, adding that local companies will be contracted to carry out the construction.
According to Tony Brancato, president of StandardAero's business aviation division, the expansion will allow the Augusta facility to work on larger business jets and “the rapidly growing MRO needs of HTF7000-series engine operators.”
“This is an exciting time for StandardAero and this expansion will allow us to grow and better serve our customers for the next 50 years,” Brancato says.