Governor Allen Welcomes $10 Million Investment and 300 Jobs
Loudoun County - Governor George Allen today announced that Atlantic Coast Airlines (ACA), the United Express carrier for the Eastern United States, will expand its airline operations at Washington-Dulles International Airport by constructing an 85,000 square foot aircraft maintenance facility. Approximately 300 new jobs will be created from this $10 million investment, which will develop a maintenance facility that will be the first of its kind at Washington-Dulles International. Secretary of Commerce and Trade Robert T. Skunda attended today's announcement on behalf of Governor Allen.
"Virginia's airline industry will continue to soar as a result of Atlantic Coast's decision to expand at Washington-Dulles," said Governor Allen. "Virginia's airports play a major role in our economic development efforts, and we must maintain the highest standards in efficient airline service. Atlantic Coast Airlines will assist Virginians in their business and leisure travels while providing 300 new jobs for citizens of the Commonwealth."
Atlantic Coast Airlines currently operates in 39 cities throughout the Eastern United States, completing nearly 200 daily departures from Washington-Dulles, more than any other airline carrier. Atlantic Coast, which recently opened its corporate headquarters in Sterling, has acquired 12 new British Aerospace Jetstream 41 aircraft and has made plans to also acquire 12 Canadair Regional Jets. These aircraft have the capability to travel non-stop to destinations of more than 1000 miles away, dramatically increasing the company's market reach.
"The new maintenance facility will have the dual benefit of improving airline efficiency by centralizing aircraft and maintenance operations at our Dulles hub, while bringing major economic benefits to Northern Virginia," said Kerry Skeen, president and chief executive officer of Atlantic Coast Airlines. "Locating our new maintenance facility at Dulles will further anchor ACA -- and our commitment to growth -- in Northern Virginia, and specifically in Loudoun County. We have received tremendous support from the Governor, Loudoun County and the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority."
Governor Allen approved a $175,000 Governor's Opportunity Fund grant for Loudoun County to assist the project. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Loudoun County and the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority assisted the company with its decision. Virginia successfully competed with Maryland, North Carolina and West Virginia for the expansion.
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