The Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) signed a 25-year lease with Boeing to expand operations at Cecil Airport, which can bring over 400 jobs to Florida. As a partner of JAA, Pond had been exclusively selected to design the new maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hangar facility. The maintenance hangar building is the length of four football fields and as tall as a four-story building. The project also encompasses the design of taxiways, aprons and landside development projects for this complex in order to provide optimum service for multiple types of military aircraft equipment.
“Since taking ownership from the Navy, the Authority developed Cecil into one of the preeminent airports for aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul in the United States,” Jacksonville Aviation Authority CEO Mark VanLoh said to press on Dec. 17. “This announcement is one of the most significant in the JAA’s history and a testament to what an economic powerhouse Cecil Airport is for Northeast Florida.”
For almost over 20 years, the Boeing Facility has played a valuable role in military upgrades and modifications at Cecil Airport. Boeing has assisted in over 1,000 aircraft upgrades including F/A18 A-D Hornet, F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler. With this project, Pond will help Boeing expand this role.
“We are excited to partner with JAA in this endeavor that will greatly benefit the Jacksonville community in the upcoming years. This agreement demonstrates the Airport Authority’s commitment not only to military readiness, but to sustained economic growth in the region,” said Steve Harrill, AIA, Pond’s eroject Executive.
Pond has been selected by JAA as the master consultant for the Eastside Development Site at Cecil, which encompasses 107 acres on the northeast side of the airport. Boeing’s facility is situated on about 57 acres. Pond is also selected to provide JAA with conceptual planning studies and design to find the right complement of tenants to fill out the development area.
“Boeing’s continuing commitment to JAA and Cecil Airport is an important investment for our community. Pond is excited to be a trusted partner to JAA in this tremendous economic growth opportunity. Our talented Architects, Engineers and Planners stand ready to provide the expertise needed for this complex endeavor,” said Lorraine Green, PE, president of Pond.
