Contact: Scott Holste, (573) 751-0290
Channing Ansley, (573) 751-0290
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2014
Gov. Nixon helps international aviation support company open facility at KCI; project creating 500 new jobs
Aviation Technical Service (ATS) begins work in Missouri with two new airline contracts for Hawaiian Airlines and Air Canada
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Gov. Jay Nixon today joined business and community leaders at Kansas City International Airport to celebrate the formal opening of Aviation Technical Services’ (ATS) new aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facility. The event provided a first look at the newly remodeled 607,000 square-foot hangar space, where the company plans to begin work on aircraft for Hawaiian Airlines and Air Canada, two of the first contracts for ATS in Missouri. Over the next three to five years, ATS expects to create 500 new jobs at the facility.
“ATS is one of the biggest names around when it comes to supporting the nation’s aviation network, and its investment in Kansas City is already making a big impact,” Gov. Nixon said. “Landing two major deals with global airline companies is a sign of the success ATS already has had in Missouri. Our central location, pro-business environment, and highly skilled workforce will support the success of this growing company and strengthen its ability to attract even more projects and clients.”
ATS is one of North America’s largest third-party aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul providers. The company, headquartered in the state of Washington, expects to handle more than 150 aircraft a year in its new Missouri facility. Under the agreement with Hawaiian Airlines, ATS will perform heavy maintenance work on Boeing 767s; the Air Canada contract calls for ATS to work on Boeing 787 modifications. Those contracts followed an earlier agreement for ATS to do maintenance work on 767-200 aircraft for Russian airline UTair Aviation.
“This is a great day for ATS, our customers and the extended Kansas City community,” said Matt Yerbic, President and CEO of ATS. “The ATS team, the Aviation Department and Metropolitan Community College aligned well to get this operation up and running in just a few months, including a complete renovation of this hangar.
“I’d like to sincerely thank Gov. Nixon, the State of Missouri, the City of Kansas City, the Kansas City Missouri Economic Development Corporation, Platte County Economic Development Council and the Kansas City Area Development Council and many others for coming together to reignite the tradition of aviation in this area for airline customers and skilled aerospace workers alike,” Yerbic said. “Since we took the keys to the building, I’m proud to report that over 70 technicians and support folks have joined the ATS-KC team and we’re continuing to hire. The fact that these flagship carriers (Hawaiian and Air Canada) have confirmed their commitment to this facility today is very exciting.”
ATS was founded in 1970 in Everett, Wash., with only five employees. Since then, the company has grown to become one of the largest suppliers of airframe maintenance in the world, with more than 1,000 workers supporting a global customer base.
The company’s Kansas City facility will be its first location outside the state of Washington. Expanding to Missouri will put Aviation Technical Services closer to some of its largest customers, allowing it to improve customer service and expand its client base. Additionally, Kansas City is home to an international airport and an established aviation department which will provide Aviation Technical Services competitive advantages and opportunities for future growth.
To assist Aviation Technical Services with its expansion, the Department of Economic Development and the City of Kansas City have offered a strategic economic incentive package that the company can receive if it meets strict job creation and investment criteria. The Platte County Economic Development Council, the Kansas City Area Development Council, and the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City also participated in making this announcement possible.
Companies interested in learning more about Missouri’s resources for new and expanding businesses should visit MO.gov.
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Scott Holste
Press Secretary for Missouri Governor Jay Nixon
573-751-0290
scott.holste@mo.gov
