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More cash for airplane maintenance company (3 photos)

JD Aero keeps growing at Sault airport

The expansion continues for JD Aero.

The Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation (SSMADC) will be receiving $1.8 million in provincial government funding, Sault MPP David Orazietti announced at the Sault airport Wednesday.

JD Aero employees were on hand for Wednesday's announcement.

The funding will allow JD Aero to expand its hangar space by 10,000 square feet and continue with its servicing of commercial aircraft, including those from the company's two newest clients, WestJet and Horizon.

It also means an expansion of JD Aero's workforce from 50 to 75 full-time, permanent employees.

With that addition, the company will have approximately 110 full-time and part-time employees.

With provincial funding and a lot of hard work, JD Aero has grown from three employees to over 100 in 10 years.  

"It feels great, I've been with the company since 2009 and I have  seen the growth and the dedication from Julian Chin and Don McNabb (JD Aero's owners), making it grow with every one involved in each area and it's been a great feeling to see them accomplish and grow as much as they have," said Judy Stewart, JD Aero operations coordinator, speaking to SooToday.

Chin and McNabb were not present for Wednesday's announcement.

Horizon, based in Portland, Oregon, flies throughout the Western U.S. and Canada and started bringing its aircraft to JD Aero for maintenance in January.

"They come to us here, all the way to Sault Ste. Marie for all their heavy maintenance, so that says something in itself about JD Aero," Stewart said.

Terry Bos, SSMADC president and CEO, agreed.

"JD Aero is well known and the service they provide is next to none, and certainly Horizon has seen the benefit of going out of their way to come here and get their aircraft serviced." 

WestJet Encore (WestJet's regional airline) has brought its Q400 planes to JD Aero for maintenance since November.

WestJet flew in and out of the Sault airport as a carrier in the early 2000s, with flights to Hamilton and Winnipeg.

"We're trying to get WestJet back on board with the preference they would offer flights from the Sault to out West," Bos said.

Air Canada Express, Porter Airlines and Bearskin Airlines are the Sault airport's current three carriers (joined in the winter months by Sunwing Airlines).

A news release from Sault MPP David Orazietti's office follows.

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Orazietti announces $1.8 million for airport expansion

Hangar Expansion Will Increase JD Aero’s Maintenance, Repairs, and Operational Capacity

Sault Ste. Marie - The Ontario Government is investing $1.8 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to expand the hangar at the Sault Ste. Marie Airport, announced David Orazietti, MPP.

“Our government is committed to helping communities like ours attract business and investment, and today’s announcement means JD Aero will have the necessary space and support to continue to create jobs and expand their operations here in the Sault,” said Orazietti.

The Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation (SSMADC) is receiving $1.8 million from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation to expand the hangar and commercial operators for aircraft maintenance, repairs, and overhaul. This investment will allow JD Aero to expand their existing hangar space by 10,000 square feet, and also includes engineering and planning space for the airlines, allowing them to meet the needs of their two newest clients, WestJet and Horizon. Additionally, as a result of this funding JD Aero will be able to further expand its capacity for attracting and servicing commercial operators for aircraft maintenance, repairs, and overhaul.

“JD Aero has quickly expanded at the Sault Airport to become a cornerstone tenant for the SSMADC growing from 3 employees to over a hundred employees in less than 10 years,” said Terry Bos, President and CEO of the Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation (SSMADC). “This further expansion would not be possible without the assistance of the NOHFC in making the project affordable for the SSMADC and JD Aero, and will allow JD Aero to meet the needs of their ever expanding client list and attract more aircraft to Sault Ste. Marie for service work.”

These expanded services will assist in attracting global airline companies, give greater efficiency for transportation by allowing aircraft to be serviced on-site in Sault Ste. Marie, and will allow JD Aero to expand their full-time, permanent workforce from 50 to 75 employees. This brings the total full-time and part-time employees to approximately 110 jobs.

Previous investments in the Sault Ste. Marie Airport include:

 

·        $1 million in 2015, for a terminal expansion, including increased passenger space and four new airline counters

·        $1 million in 2011 for a terminal expansion to accommodate more passengers and flights

·        $129,885 in 2010 for a new airline counter and increased screening services for Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA)

·        $437,750 in 2010 to update a vacant hanger and allow JD Aero to open and operate their business

·        $162,150 in 2009 to expand and reconstruct the CBSA offices, enhance security standards, and increase arrival and screening area capacity

 

Investing in infrastructure is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

 


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Darren Taylor

About the Author: Darren Taylor

Darren Taylor is a news reporter and photographer in Sault Ste Marie. He regularly covers community events, political announcements and numerous board meetings. With a background in broadcast journalism, Darren has worked in the media since 1996.
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