Friday, May 2, 2003

Aviation training center planned for South Fulton

Training International officials have unveiled plans to construct a $60 million aviation-training center near Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport.

The state-of-the art, 52,000 square foot facility near the world's busiest passenger airport will include six-flight simulators, provide pilot training, aircraft maintenance training, advanced technology training devices and additional learning tools.

The five-acre center is scheduled to open January 2004 and will provide service for AirTran Airways, Midwest Airlines, and Boeing business operators.

The announcement is exciting news for residents on Atlanta's Southside. For years, local citizens and business leaders have solicited companies for quality jobs and family-oriented establishments that mushroomed in other parts of the metro area including east Cobb, DeKalb, north Fulton, and Gwinnett counties.

Hartsfield representatives believe the two story, high-tech facility will generate additional revenue and commercial activity throughout the south metro area. The training center will create 50 full-time positions and train nearly 7,000 pilots annually.

"We are proud that our bond revenue issuance and offer to assist in employee recruitment played an integral part of FlightSafety Boeing's decision to establish their facility in south Fulton County," said District 7 Commission Vice Chairman William "Bill" Edwards.

"High caliber companies like Boeing exemplify the quality employers we seek to bring jobs that make this community a better place to live, work, and play."

"Hartsfield welcomes the addition of Boeing's training facility to south Atlanta's landscape," said Aviation General Manager Ben DeCosta. "FlightSafety Boeing's decision to build their multi-million dollar center near the airport is a true reflection of Georgia's ability to attract quality corporations that have high customer service standards."

In addition to the recent FSB announcement, the south metro area is home to key corporations such as Chick-fil-A Incorporated, Delta Air Lines, and John Wieland Homes & Neighborhoods.

"The cities of Atlanta and College Park in partnership with Hartsfield have worked diligently to navigate potential investors towards the Airport community," DeCosta added. "As a result of our efforts, Atlanta's Southside is experiencing a sense of urban renaissance."

DeCosta noted high profile projects such as south Fulton County's Camp Creek Market Place and Clayton County's Gateway Village as examples of successful partnerships between Hartsfield Airport, other government agencies and the private sector.

Clayton County's Gateway Village is a mixed-use project currently under development just south of Hartsfield. Construction blueprints for the village incorporate a live, work, play theme designed to include housing, state and federal archives and a major conference center.

Meanwhile in Fulton County, construction crews are placing the finishing touches on Camp Creek Market Place adjacent to Interstate 285's southwest corner. The new facility will be a shopper's oasis, that will open with familiar tenants such as Target, Lowe's Home Improvement, Barnes & Noble, and Linens 'N Things.

Atlanta's Southside has come a long way since the 1996 Olympics," said College Park resident David Anderson. "As businesses actively seek ways to maximize the return on their investments in today's market, FlightSafety Boeing's arrival in Atlanta solidifies the notion that communities near Hartsfield Airport are highly attractive options for corporations and retailers financially."