Opening up Chattanooga to the aerospace industry, a new aircraft maintenance center at Lovell Field is expected to draw about 200 private aircraft the first year, officials said Monday.
“I think the East Coast will be a natural driver” for business, said Bob Rasberry, chief executive for West Star Aviation, which plans to invest $22.5 million into the air maintenance, repair and overhaul facility for corporate jets.
West Star is buying a 40,000-square-foot hangar at the airport to begin operations by year’s end, starting with about 50 workers with plans for up to 225 employees by the end of 2020, he said.
West Star Aviation
* Privately held aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul company* 800 employees* Major facilities in East Alton, Ill., and Grand Junction, Colo. Smaller operations in Columbia, S.C.; Aspen, Colo.; Chesterfield, Mo.; and Chicago, Ill.* CEO Bob Rasberry and partners in 2005 acquired West Star* Voted No. 1 in its sector by Professional Pilot magazine for two consecutive years* Visit www.weststaraviation.com/careers/ to view job openings
The CEO said wages for the jobs are expected to average about $26 to $27 an hour.