SRQ airport wins $40M aircraft manufacturer project

A global designer and manufacturer of aircraft, simulators and cutting-edge systems for pilot training is set to bring a new manufacturing and sales facility to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

On Monday, the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority will make an announcement about a new commercial partnership at SRQ. Although SMAA would not reveal the subject, a review of the agenda for Monday’s board meeting, which will immediately precede the announcement, indicates it is likely regarding a lease agreement with Stans, Switzerland-based Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd.

The details of the project are not included in the documents, but the proposed agreement is for a term of 40 years for two adjoining parcels of undeveloped land in the north quadrant of the airport totaling just more than 17 acres.