Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Announces New $14 Million HBS Facility in Mesa, Arizona

May 21, 2008
A new Hawker Beechcraft Services (HBS) aircraft maintenance and service facility in Mesa, Ariz., at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, will enable HBS to offer superior customer support in the southwestern region of the United States with a state-of-the-art maintenance center.

WICHITA, Kan. (May 21, 2008) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) today announced a new Hawker Beechcraft Services (HBS) aircraft maintenance and service facility in Mesa, Ariz. at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. The planned $14 million investment will enable HBS to offer superior customer support in the southwestern region of the United States with a state-of-the-art maintenance center. This facility is expected to generate up to 110 new jobs over five years.

Headquartered in Wichita, HBS is leasing 5.1 acres on the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport with an option to expand to 10.7 acres in the future. HBS acquired a newly constructed 26,000 sq. ft. hangar, and plans to build another 20,000 sq. ft. hangar and a 22,000 sq. ft. administrative building with associated customer offices and back shops on the 5.1 acres. The facility will serve as a factory service center for the company’s entire aircraft line.

“Hawker Beechcraft Services is pleased to announce our Mesa location, which will grow our capabilities and services for our customers worldwide and further enhance our existing commitment to provide the best services and support to our customers,” said Bill Brown, president, Global Customer Service and Support at Hawker Beechcraft Corporation. “We appreciate the partnership and support that has developed between us and the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Arizona Department of Commerce, the City of Mesa, Greater Phoenix Economic Council and the Mesa Chamber of Commerce.”

Mesa is one of eight U.S. locations where HBS is planning to significantly expand its customer service and maintenance offerings. HBC announced in February that it was making a $14 million investment at its existing Indianapolis facility.

“Hawker Beechcraft will be a significant business partner at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport,” said Lynn Kusy, Executive Director of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. “We’re pleased to have been selected for this new development, which will greatly improve the customer experience for corporate and other general aviation users.”

With 10 existing service centers located across the U.S., Mexico and the United Kingdom, HBS’ network of factory owned world-class service centers provides professional aircraft maintenance and repair with readily available access to its knowledge base of factory expertise and engineering data.

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special-mission and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; and Chester, England, U.K. The company leads the industry with a global network of over 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.