Business Courier: New CVG facility isn’t just to fix planes, it’s a ‘strong economic development strategy,’ CEO says
01/17/2020
Cincinnati Business Courier / Chris Wetterich / January 15, 2020
A new $19 million aircraft maintenance facility at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport could lead to hundreds of new, skilled jobs that pay well, plus spinoff careers from companies that locate nearby, the CEOs of CVG and the company that built the facility said Wednesday.
Miami-based FEAM Aero cut the ribbon Wednesday on its 103,000-square-foot hangar where it expects primarily to fix and maintain jets owned by Atlas Air, the company that provides planes used by DHL and Amazon Air, the growing freight and logistics companies operating at CVG.
About 200 people work for FEAM at CVG with the possibility of doubling the number of jobs, said CEO Fred Murphy. The starting salary for aircraft mechanics starts “well over” $50,000 and can become six figures. Local colleges offer training programs and the needed Federal Aviation Administration certifications, he added.
CVG CEO Candace McGraw predicted CVG eventually will host a row of similar hangars on airport land.
“Without a doubt, we will be having more hangars here. We will be the epicenter of e-commerce,” said CVG CEO Candace McGraw. “It’s all about speed to market. If this plane isn’t flying, they’re losing money.”