News Summary
International Aerospace Coatings (IAC) has initiated construction on a new aircraft hangar at Amarillo’s Rick Husband International Airport. This $27 million project will span 74,920 square feet, accommodating various commercial aircraft, including the Boeing 777-X. In partnership with ARCO National Construction, this marks IAC’s expansion and will create 65 new jobs in the area. The hangar will feature state-of-the-art facilities focused on environmental care and operational efficiency, reinforcing Amarillo’s reputation as a growing hub for the aerospace industry.
Big News for Amarillo: IAC Breaks Ground on New Aircraft Hangar
Amarillo, Texas is buzzing with excitement this month as International Aerospace Coatings (IAC) has officially broken ground on a state-of-the-art hangar at the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA). This project, which comes with a hefty $27 million price tag, is not just any hangar – it’s going to be a massive 74,920 square feet of space designed to accommodate all types of commercial aircraft, including the impressive Boeing 777-X!
Partnerships That Soar
In this endeavor, IAC is teaming up with ARCO National Construction, showcasing a collaborative effort that highlights the growing aerospace industry in the heart of Texas. This will be IAC’s second widebody hangar and their sixth overall at the Amarillo airport, reinforcing their 30-year commitment to the local community.
What’s Inside?
This new hangar isn’t just a big box; it’s packed with features that prioritize practicality and environmental care. The facility will feature dedicated hazardous paint mixing and storage rooms along with a wastewater treatment room to manage environmental handling. Safety and efficiency are clearly top of mind here!
Moreover, a 75-horsepower oil-free air compressor equipped with a sizable 2,000-gallon air receiver tank will be installed to fuel operations. With six strategically placed air drops throughout the hangar, coupled with a ventilation system designed to ensure three-and-a-half air changes per hour, it is clear that this hangar aims to provide optimal conditions for both the aircraft and the workers.
Boosting Job Opportunities
The Bigger Picture
The need for this new hangar comes as no surprise, considering the rising demand from major airlines. The Amarillo Economic Development Corporation has noted that this development emphasizes Amarillo’s shining reputation as an attractive location for significant aerospace companies. With this ongoing commitment to expansion, IAC operates a total of 19 hangars across 10 locations in both the U.S. and Europe, executing over 800 paint events annually. Talk about busy bees!
A Long-Term Commitment
In terms of logistics, the Amarillo City Council has approved a 50-year lease agreement for the project, which includes incentives aimed at boosting job creation. So, it’s not just a temporary fix; it’s an investment in Amarillo’s future in the aerospace industry. Construction is expected to wrap up by September 2026, positioning this facility to operate year-round and cater to the needs of various airlines.
In Summary
This new hangar at the Amarillo airport symbolizes not just growth for IAC, but a broader vision for the aerospace industry in Amarillo. With such high stakes and great potential, local residents should feel a sense of pride in watching their community expand, innovate and gear up for future aviation endeavors. Here’s to more great things flying in and out of Amarillo!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Amarillo.com: IAC Expands in Amarillo
- NewsChannel 10: IAC Groundbreaking Ceremony
- ABC7 Amarillo: IAC New Facility
- Google Search: International Aerospace Coatings
- My High Plains: IAC Breaks Ground
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aerospace
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
