Airport News:

Tampa Leases Old USAirways Hangar to Pemco

TAMPA, Fla. - March 6 - At today’s Tampa International Airport monthly Board Meeting, Members of the Aviation Authority approved a new agreement with Pemco World Air Services Inc., Dothan, Alabama, which provides heavy maintenance and modification services for both wide and narrow body aircraft from around the world, to lease the vacated former USAirways maintenance hangar and ground area at Tampa International Airport.

Wake Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pemco stated, “Tampa is an outstanding opportunity for Pemco and the former US Airways facility is a great addition to our maintenance, repair and cargo conversion business in Dothan.  Pemco is excited about the prospect of opening a new location in Tampa, not only because of the excellent facility at the Tampa Airport but also because of the outstanding labor market which we believe this community provides.  Our headquarters will remain in Dothan, but we look forward to a long term partnership with Tampa.”

“We are excited about Pemco’s commitment to reuse the former US Air hangar,” Mayor Pam Iorio explained.  “The 410 well paying jobs this project creates will be a terrific boost to our local economy.  The project reminds us of the positive impact Tampa International Airport has on our business climate.”

Finding a viable tenant for the old USAirways Hangar took nearly three years and it wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperative effort of the Aviation Authority staff working with the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s Committee of One Hundred which is Hillsborough County’s primary economic development team, in partnership with the cities of Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace and private investors.  In addition, Pemco has been working with the Governor’s Office on Trade, Tourism and Economic Development and Enterprise Florida.

“We welcome Pemco to our county and state, and truly appreciate this significant milestone for our community,” said Hillsborough County Commission Chairman Ken Hagan.  “Our world class airport and its related aviation industry have always been at the center of our county’s economic vitality.  Today this announcement means hundreds of new quality jobs in Hillsborough County with a clear message that our aviation industry continues to thrive.”

The 150,000 square foot (about the size of three football fields) maintenance hangar is situated on 14.6 acres east of the Airport’s main terminal and adjacent to runway 36Right/18Left.  The hangar was completed in 1992 and has been vacant for four years.

 “This is great news for our economic outlook,” stated Stephen J. Mitchell, Chairman of Tampa International Airport.  “With Corporate America delaying investments and monitoring expenses, Pemco is making a statement by putting its money in the Tampa Bay area where its growth is.”

Louis E. Miller, Executive Director, Tampa International Airport stated that “With today’s Board approval, Pemco plans to move into the facility by April 1^t starting with staffing and equipment. Pemco is confident that Tampa’s high traffic flow, excellent facilities, skilled aviation labor force and attractive work environment will make Tampa an ideal location for both its employees and customers.”