The first temporary tenant at Salina's new 69,000 square foot hangar/office complex at the SLN Aviation Service Center will be Hawgsmoke 2008, a large biennial gathering of A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots from the active-duty Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard scheduled for Oct 15-17, 2008.
 
"We are proud as Americans to be the host site for this special gathering of our nation's warfighters," said Tim Rogers, A.A.E. the airport's executive director.  Hundreds of airman and some 80 close air support jet aircraft will convene at the Salina Municipal Airport for a competition at the nearby Smoky Hill Weapons Range.
 
Available for Occupancy in Less Than 6 months
The new hangar will actually become available for permanent occupancy in November 2008. The facility features 41,400 square feet of hangar space, 22,600 square feet of office/shop/multi-purpose area and a 5,000 square foot customer service area.  The multi-million dollar hangar complex will easily accommodate aircraft with a wingspan of 100 feet and a tail height of 28 feet. The complex is part of a modern growing Aviation Service Center that also houses CAV Aerospace, Inc. and Hawker Beechcraft Corporation.
 
Residents of the SLN Aviation Service Center have many tools that are of great value to aviation businesses wanting to grow. There are many local and State of Kansas incentives that make Salina a wise choice for growth:

• Facility design and construction financing
• Sales tax exemption on parts and labor for aircraft modification, repair and overhaul.
• Machinery and equipment tax exemption
• $500,000 annually for job training
• Customized training programs
• Employment screening and assessment
• Property tax abatements
• Sales tax exemption for the purchase of equipment
• Job tax credits
• Inventory property tax exemption
• One-stop building permits service
• State income tax credits

 
For more information on leasing all or part of this facility, please contact the Salina Airport Authority at (785) 827-3914 or shellis@salair.org