New aircraft maintenance company opens at Davidson County Airport
Lexington, NC (XXXX, 2021) – The Davidson County Airport welcomes a new company, a new approach lighting system, a rehabilitated runway, and hopefully new hangars as it heads into 2021.
On February 1, 2021 Sky Aircraft Maintenance formally opened its doors at the airport specializing in Hawkers, Beechjets and Learjet aircraft. Among other things, this full-service aircraft maintenance operation services jet engines and overhauls aircraft interiors including avionic systems. “We already have 6 technicians on site and expect that number to grow to as many as 20 as the business ramps up,” said Thomasville resident, Steve Trent, Sky’s Director of Maintenance.
Tom Conlan, Owner of Sky Aviation Holdings, the parent company of Sky Aircraft Maintenance said they selected the Davidson County Airport because of its skilled workforce, easy access to I-85 and proximity to Charlotte. “We also found a friendly community with a pro-business attitude,” Conlan said. “We fully expect to grow this business and have already begun discussions with the airport authority to build our own, larger hangar,” Conlan continued.
“Sky Aircraft Maintenance joins a growing list of companies who are now based at the field including Fly High Lexington, RCR Air, Superior Aero Services, Superior Grounds Management, Wake Forest Baptist Heath and Metro Aviation,” said John Gray, Chairman of the Davidson County Airport Authority. “Sky reaches an entirely new type of customer and their plans for growth come at just the right time following the airport’s near completion of a new approach lighting system, built for increased safety and easier access for corporate jet tenants and transient jet traffic,” Gray continued.
The airport has experienced tremendous growth in the past several years supported by an Economic Impact Study from the North Carolina Division of Aviation. Through direct and indirect means the airport impacts 520 jobs, contributes $2.8 million in tax revenue from 75 based aircraft and sees 29,000 annual operations for a total economic impact of $70.9 million.
The airport has a current waitlist of more than 50 aircraft searching for hangar space in the area including an aircraft support business who is also considering a move to Davidson County if a suitable hangar can be funded and built. A runway rehabilitation project scheduled to begin in late 2021 will also enhance the overall operational safety and customer experience on the field. The airport authority is excited about the future for this growing airport and the communities that will benefit from it.