17
May
2022
|
16:34 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

As aviation grows in the Tampa Bay area, two neighboring tenants make expansion progress

Growth 3

As Tampa International Airport continues to improve and expand its facilities, two private developments are taking shape at TPA following a nationwide trend of growth in aviation and aviation-related business.

Sheltair, a TPA-based fixed base operator, is well underway with its latest hangar and office expansion on the Airport’s southeast side. CAE, a Tampa-area aviation training and simulation company recently broke ground on its new corporate headquarters to be located on the Airport’s east side.

 Sheltair, the largest privately-held FBO chain in the United States, is building Hangars 6 and 7. The project broke ground in November and is on track for completion and occupancy in March of 2023. To keep up with growth both in business and aircraft sizes, the new hangars and offices total 100,000 square feet and represent an investment of $25 million.

 The new hangars will have 28-foot door entrances to accommodate some of the largest general aviation aircraft in use today like the Gulfstream G650 and Bombardier’s Global 7500.

 “This new construction is adding 150 temporary full-time construction jobs locally and allows Sheltair to accommodate Tampa’s growing business sector, supporting a vibrant region of commerce and culture,” said Lisa Holland, President of Sheltair. “We’re proud to serve as a hub for business and gateway to the Tampa region, aiding the vitality of the local economy.”

CAE Rendering Originally announced in 2019, CAE broke ground on its construction in April. CAE USA is a subsidiary of CAE Inc. and is focused on developing and delivering training systems to the U.S. military other countries around the world. When completed, the new facility will contain 146,000 square feet of offices, a 51,000-square-foot training center and 112,000 square feet of manufacturing space.

 Charles Sumlin, CAE’s project manager for construction said, “It’s exciting to be under construction of our new facilities during our 75th anniversary.”

 CAE employs more than 500 people in the Tampa area and expects to add an additional 100 permanent jobs in the new facility. The facility is slated to be completed in winter of 2023.

 Both of these projects are reflective of the boom not just in aviation, but in the Tampa Bay area economy. Tampa International Airport and its partners are constantly working to meet and stay ahead of the demand from the explosive growth the region is experiencing. These projects also reflect the Airport’s goal utilizing real estate to the highest and best use while diversifying its business and revenue generation.