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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Aviation Exteriors Expands New Iberia, Louisiana, Operations

07/25/2022
Aviation Exteriors Louisiana, which has long specialized in the painting of commercial aircraft, plans to add aircraft maintenance and conversion services at its facility in New Iberia, Louisiana. The $2.5 million project is expected to create 100 jobs.

The company will develop a dedicated aircraft maintenance hangar with extensive tooling and equipment for the new services at its base of operations at Acadiana Regional Airport.

“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,” said Aviation Exteriors Louisiana CEO Jerry Hernandez. “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. The company’s culture and operations coupled with the support of local agencies and the state are a definite recipe for success and align with our customers’ values and long-term needs.”

The State of Louisiana offered Aviation Exteriors a competitive incentive package that includes the services of LED FastStart. In addition, the state offered a performance-based grant of $2 million for upgrades to a 60-year-old aircraft maintenance hangar that the company will lease from the Iberia Parish Airport Authority. The company also plans to participate in the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program.

“This project represents a significant advancement of Iberia Parish’s continuing efforts to diversify its economy,” Governor John Bel Edwards said. “Acadiana Regional Airport is a vital asset for the area, and as Iberia Parish grows its aviation industry, it attracts more quality jobs for the parish’s skilled workforce. We welcome this expansion as AvEx positions itself for continued growth and greater success.”

Aviation Exteriors was founded in 1990 with a focus on the niche aviation market of aircraft painting. The company grew from strictly commercial airline painting in its first decade to include military aircraft and corporate jets. The latest expansion of Aviation Exteriors’ business model into maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services follows the recent acquisition of the company.

“One Acadiana congratulates Aviation Exteriors, and our partners at Iberia Industrial Development Foundation, on this milestone,” added Troy Wayman, president and CEO of One Acadiana. “For three decades, AvEx has continued to innovate and exceed the expectations of customers like American Airlines, Air Canada and FedEx, among other global organizations – while located at the Acadiana Regional Airport, an incredible asset to our region. We celebrate the growth of this internationally recognized operation as AvEx’s expansion also speaks to the manufacturing excellence and strong workforce found and trained in South Louisiana.”

“The expansion at Aviation Exteriors brings tremendous investment and economic growth to Iberia Parish,” said Mike Tarantino, Iberia Industrial Development Foundation president and CEO. “The expansion will create quality jobs, bring new lines of MRO business to Acadiana Regional Airport and expand our offerings there. It’s another example of the great things happening in Iberia Parish.”

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