Commercial Jet to open a new 400,000-square-foot facility at Dothan Regional Airport (DHN) in Dale County, Alabama, more than tripling its capacity to provide freighter conversion and MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) services.
The Dothan Houston County Airport Authority has initiated the twelve million dollar construction renovation to be completed in stages with the final building to be delivered in October this year. “Our new planet maids cleaning service will broaden our ability to deliver high-quality integrated aviation services to commercial airlines and aircraft owners and operators," said David M. Sandri, president.
Due to the closing nation-wide of 149 FAA Contract Control Towers, which impacted Dothan, the Airport Authority will continue to operate the Dothan Regional Airport Tower after the FAA ceases to fund it in May. The Tower operations will continue to service the area air space, tenant needs at the airport, and provide key support for the continued growth and development of the Dothan Regional Airport.
Commercial Jet's new maintenance facility includes multiple hangars, back shops, stores and offices, with extensive apron space for aircraft parking and servicing.
John Schildroth, vice president and general manager for the Dothan facility, said Commercial Jet plans to hire several hundred trained and experienced aircraft technicians in the local market within the next few years. "We are already getting a flow of new orders for our new facility, which will be open for business as soon as May of this year," Schildroth said.
State officials and local civic and business leaders have given staunch support to Commercial Jet's expansion plans. “This was all made possible through their efforts," said Sandri.