American Airlines Gets New Hangar

Despite turbulent times for American Airlines, Tulsa's largest employer is about to get more room at the airport. 

Thursday, July 10th 2008, 5:05 pm

By: News On 6


Despite turbulent times for American Airlines, Tulsa's largest employer is about to get more room at the airport.  Construction on a new hangar was officially launched on Thursday.  News On 6 anchor Scott Thompson reports the city is looking forward to AA's new hangar.

American Airlines is in the middle of making cuts across the board, everything from layoffs to charging people for their extra luggage.  What hasn't changed is its fleet must be maintained and soon the airline will have a brand new hangar to get the work done.

On Thursday, it's a gravel patch of bare land sitting within eye shot American Airlines. By next summer, the eight acres at Tulsa International Airport will be home to an 80,000 square foot hangar, with one of Tulsa's largest employers taking up residence.

 "American Airlines, thank you for your dedication to our city," said Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor.

The official launch party was celebrated on Thursday with dignitaries from across Green Country. Carmine Romano represents the airline. He says American is running out of room at TIA.

"Our hangars are so full that we have work going on outside on the ramp and days like today when we have a lot of rain, it's very difficult to work airplanes outside," said American Airlines' Carmine Romano.

The new hangar is the first at the airport in more than 20 years. It'll be owned by the airport authority, but American Airlines is its only planned tenant. The airline says the hangar will employ up to 300 workers. Union leaders say the plan means a renewed promise to Tulsa.

 "Well, it means that American Airlines is making a commitment to stay here in Tulsa and to hopefully grow even bigger," said Steve Luis with the Transport Workers Union.

But, the hangar doesn't come without cost. The funding comes from $4.3 million in Tulsa third penny sales tax revenues, nearly $6 million comes from the state's Opportunity Grant, and another $1.5 million comes from the City of Tulsa.

Romano says the joint effort was key, without it American Airlines may have had to look elsewhere to expand.

 "Because of the fact the city, the state, and the county has helped us, we have decided to stay right where we are," said American Airlines Carmine Romano.

Construction on the hangar is expected to take nine months.  Barring any weather delays it should be open by next spring.

           

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