MD Helicopters remains at Falcon Field Airport following lease amendment, retention efforts
The business relationship between the City of Mesa and MD Helicopters Inc. is showing renewed strength as the company confirmed arrangements to keep its current facility and quality employees at Falcon Field Airport. Mesa and MD Helicopters have reached an agreement on lease rates for the remaining term of the leases, which run to 2013 and onward to 2033 if all options to extend the leases are exercised.
“MD Helicopters is truly an asset to Mesa, both as a business and community partner, and I am pleased that they will stay in their current location for at least the next five years,” Gov. Janet Napolitano said. “MD provides the high-quality jobs that are good for our state, and their continued presence will remain a major contributor to Arizona’s economy.”
Mesa City Manager Chris Brady said the agreement is a best-case scenario for all involved.
“I am pleased an amendment to MD’s current lease at Falcon Field has been agreed upon,” said Brady. “MD Helicopters will continue to be a major player in Mesa’s growing aviation sector as well as continuing to employ nearly 300 people.”
The decision will not affect plans already in progress for the company’s expansion.
“The Falcon Field area offers a readily available, qualified workforce to satisfy MD Helicopters’ current employment needs,” Economic Development Director Bill Jabjiniak said. “Our efforts to retain MD Helicopters in Mesa involved several important players, including the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Falcon Field Alliance, Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), Governor’s Office and Arizona Department of Commerce.”
MD Helicopters’ long-term vision for the company involves significant future expansion of helicopter development, production, sales, training, completion, repair and overhaul and customer experience. These future needs will position Falcon Field as a player in MD Helicopters’ future expansion.
“The Mesa Chamber of Commerce is very pleased to have played a role in facilitating this important agreement between the City of Mesa and MD Helicopters,” Mesa Chamber of Commerce President Charlie Deaton said. “Partnerships like this are critical to the development of our City.”
The airport is located in Mesa between McKellips and McDowell roads and Greenfield and Higley roads and offers quick access to the Red Mountain 202 Freeway. It ranks fourth in the nation for general aviation airports in number of aircraft and flight operations.
“GPEC congratulates the City of Mesa and their outstanding efforts in keeping MD Helicopters in Greater Phoenix,” said Barry Broome, GPEC president and CEO. “I would especially like to acknowledge the City of Mesa’s leadership in securing 300 aerospace jobs for the region.”
|