DeSantis criticizes Harris’ economic proposals
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called Vice President Kamala Harris “mindless” during a stopover in Sarasota on Wednesday morning.
A major contract between Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and a specialty aircraft manufacturer was signed, sealed and delivered on Monday.
SRQ and Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus signed a contract on Monday that will see the company build a new sales and service facility on the north side of the airport. The first phase of the facility, which will eventually span 17 acres, is expected to be fully operational by mid-2026.
The company will initially build a 5,000 square meter maintenance hangar and 1,500 square meters of office and administrative space for sales. The final plans include space for aircraft assembly. In total, the facility will provide up to 300 jobs.
Pilatus evaluated airports across the country as possible locations for its new facility, but growth in East Coast markets sealed the deal for SRQ. The company operated more than 6,200 flights from Florida in 2022, according to a press release.
Thomas Bosshard, president and CEO of Pilatus, said cross-Atlantic access, the company’s thriving east coast operations and SRQ’s growth helped the airport win the contract.
“Sarasota was just ideal,” said Bosshard.
Pilatus primarily manufactures smaller business aircraft, with cockpits equipped with the latest flight technology and interior design inspired by BMW cars. The company’s flagship model is the PC-12, a 10-passenger single-engine turboprop jet. According to its website, the company currently has a fleet of 1,700 of the “world’s most popular business aircraft.”
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Construction costs for the new facility are $24.4 million, plus $3.5 million for machinery and equipment. The first phase will generate nearly $200,000 in annual rental income for SRQ, according to the company.
The announcement coincides with the upcoming opening of SRQ’s new terminal and the continued growth of the airport’s flight offerings. It also follows a commitment by Manatee Technical College to build an airframe and engine school on the airport’s campus.
According to Rick Piccolo, president and CEO of SRQ, the Pilatus deal is the result of a joint effort, and the support of the Manatee County Commission and the Manatee County School Board is a sign that the community supports the airport’s growth.
“It’s unusual that we were able to attract this particular tenant with this quality,” Piccolo said. “It’s symbolic of the growth of the community and the growth of the airport.”
Contact Herald-Tribune growth and development reporter Heather Bushman at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @hmb_1013.
