Fix-it firm proposes $15 million hangar

Tom Hornsby	- Download MP3-

By Mike Pare
Deputy Business Editor

A company is proposing to build a $15 million facility at Chattanooga's airport for maintenance and other work on corporate aircraft.

Air Corporate Services wants to build a pair of hangars with 114,000 square feet of space on the south end of Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, said Tom Hornsby, the company's president.

He said he wants to lease up to 16 acres at the airport, although the first phase of the "completion and refurbishment center" would take up seven acres.

"We'd be servicing corporate and light general aviation," he said, noting work could include heavy maintenance involving exteriors and interiors of aircraft.

Mr. Hornsby said the start-up company's business plan calls for hiring about 67 people initially, then ramping up employment to over 200 in about three years. Eventually, he said, the business would like to work on commercial aircraft such as regional jets.

A proposed facility at Lovell Field would take on maintenance work involving corporate aircraft. Contributed rendering

Airport spokeswoman Christina Siebold said officials have talked with the company and are waiting for business and financial information.

"Once the information is submitted, the airport board will review the proposal to determine if negotiations can begin," she said.

J.Ed. Marston, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce's vice president of marketing, said it has taken part in conversations about the proposed project and responded to requests.

"We're aware of it. We've participated," he said. "We certainly are taking the project seriously."

Mr. Hornsby, who said he has worked as a consultant and at a similar facility, added that he would like to see the first hangar open next year.

He said he is working with Cohutta Bank and the engineering firm Barge Waggoner on the proposal.

E-mail Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com

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