KCI Overhaul Base May Get New Life

KANSAS CITY, Mo. --

Kansas City is on the verge of signing a lease with

Jet Midwest

to lease parts of the Overhaul base near Kansas City International Airport.

According to sources close to the deal, Jet Midwest would rent much of the overhaul base space.

"This a is a good thing for Kansas City," City Councilman Bill Skaggs said. He follows aviation developments closely because KCI is in his district. Sources told KMBC the operation could eventually employ several hundred workers when it gets up to full strength.

Jet Midwest has operations in several locations. It's hoped much of that work would be relocated at the overhaul base.

It's believed some of the workers could earn in the range $20 to $25 an hour, which is a lot less than some overhaul base mechanics were earning there for American Airlines.

Jet Midwest is a 13-year-old company, according to its Web site. The company is based in Kansas City, Kan. On the company web page, Jet Midwest describes itself as a "commercial aircraft supplier."

Some close to the deal think Jet Midwest may have several MD-80 aircraft in storage they may bring to the new operation so they can refurbish those planes.

The city has been seeking has been seeking a tenant for the massive base since American Airlines announced it shutting down its maintenance operation there in late 2009. The American Airline operation employed several people.

The City Council may learn more details about the plan soon.

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