Aircraft paint specialist Aviation Exteriors Louisiana is adding maintenance and conversion services through an expansion of its facility at Acadiana Regional Airport New Iberia. The company estimates the $2.5 million project, which will involve upgrading a 60-year-old maintenance hangar, will add 100 jobs in addition to the 83 existing positions. The state of Louisana is offering a $2 million grant and other services for the work, in addition to tax incentives.
The move into maintenance and conversions marks a shift for the 32-year-old company, which spent its first decade focused on the painting of airliners and then added corporate jets and military aircraft in the later years. It also comes after the company was acquired by its new CEO, Jerry Hernandez.
“I’m excited to have chosen New Iberia, Louisiana, and AvEx to fill a void in today’s market to provide world-class service to our loyal aviation customers and the industry,” Hernandez said. “After a thorough search of the Southeast U.S., I was impressed with both the local and state enthusiasm for our company’s mission and the AvEx 32-year history of operations.”
Iberia Parish president Larry Richard added: “The expansion of Aviation Exteriors at Acadiana Regional Airport speaks highly of the need for this type of business in Iberia Parish.”
