ECP to Open First Airplane Engine Maintenance Facility, Creating 500 Jobs in the Panhandle

ECP to Launch Panhandle’s First Commercial Airplane Engine Maintenance Facility

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. — Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is poised to become the site of the Panhandle’s inaugural commercial airplane engine maintenance and testing facility, a development anticipated to generate over 500 well-paying jobs in the region. This milestone project, known as Project Spinner, represents a strategic partnership between ECP and IAG Aero Group, a global leader in aircraft engine services.

A Strategic Investment in Local Aviation Infrastructure

The new 120,000-square-foot facility is being developed with the support of a $25 million grant from Triumph Gulf Coast. It will enable the repair and testing of commercial aircraft engines locally, eliminating the current necessity of shipping engines out of state or overseas for maintenance. This capability is expected to streamline operations and reduce turnaround times significantly.

Parker McClellan, Executive Director of ECP, highlighted the collaborative efforts behind the project, stating, “We’ve been working with Florida’s Great Northwest and the Bay Economic Development Alliance to bring Project Spinner to fruition. We’re creating jobs for the community, where engines will come in, be refurbished, and shipped back out.” The facility will simulate real-flight conditions to ensure engines meet rigorous standards before being reinstalled.

Currently, many airlines must send engines as far as Paris for testing due to limited domestic capacity. Larry Serlo, Chief Commercial Officer for IAG Aero Group, described the new facility as a “dream” for the organization, emphasizing the operational efficiencies gained by having testing capabilities adjacent to repair operations.

Economic Impact and Industry Challenges

The establishment of this facility is expected to attract skilled mechanics and aviation maintenance professionals from across the region, offering some of the highest-paying jobs available at the airport. It marks a significant advancement in ECP’s ongoing expansion and its commitment to fostering high-quality employment opportunities in Bay County.

Despite the promising outlook, the facility will enter a competitive market dominated by established players such as Hanwha Aviation, which has already expanded its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Industry experts anticipate heightened regulatory scrutiny to ensure compliance with safety standards. Competitors may respond with pricing strategies or technological innovations to protect their market share.

The long-term viability of the facility will hinge on its ability to attract and retain a skilled workforce and secure contracts with major airlines. McClellan underscored the region’s appeal, noting, “What drew IAG Aero Group officials to Bay County most was the available workforce,” highlighting the area’s potential to support growth in the aviation sector.

As construction progresses, local officials and industry partners remain optimistic that the new engine maintenance facility will not only stimulate the local economy but also establish Northwest Florida as a significant hub in the global aviation industry.