Another Jet-Maker Might Be Landing in Albuquerque

April 25, 2007
Albuquerque joins Vero Beach, Tallahassee, Oklahoma City and Columbia, S.C., as finalists for a PiperJet manufacturing plant that could employ 1,500.

Local business leaders like to see Albuquerque as the next Wichita.

That is, to see Albuquerque as a major hub for general aviation manufacturing - much like the city in Kansas that's home to companies like Cessna Aircraft Corp.

The Duke City could be nudging itself in that direction with news that Piper Aircraft Inc. of Vero Beach, Fla., reportedly lists Albuquerque among five cities being considered for a plant to build its newest jets.

The Tallahassee (Fla.) Democrat newspaper on Friday reported that Albuquerque joins Vero Beach, Tallahassee, Oklahoma City and Columbia, S.C., as finalists for a PiperJet manufacturing plant that could employ 1,500.

Piper spokesman Mark Miller confirmed that Piper has whittled its list to five cities, though he would only identify the company's Vero Beach headquarters as one of them. He also declined to confirm the plant's anticipated work force.

While a search team representing Piper reportedly visited Albuquerque recently, city economic development officials declined to comment on Piper specifically.

Fred Mondragon, the city's director of economic development, would only speak to the potential of such a move by Piper.

"That kind of a major company would be a welcome addition to the Albuquerque scene and would certainly complement our aviation cluster," Mondragon said.

Albuquerque is home to Eclipse Aviation, a pioneer in very light jets, a growing aviation class characterized by small planes that hold about six passengers and generally cost about half the price of traditional business jets.

Mondragon said that as Eclipse moves its operations to Double Eagle II Airport on the West Side, it could be advantageous for other companies to consider doing the same.

If for no other reason, the companies could have access to ample work force training, he said. Central New Mexico Community College eventually plans to have aerospace-related training programs at the airport.

"For the city, it's a plus to have related industries," Mondragon said. "Should there be a downshift in a particular employer's clientele, those employees could shift to another company."

Gary Tonjes, head of Albuquerque Economic Development, the city's lead business recruiter, declined to comment on whether Piper is considering the city. He did say the aviation industry is a target for Albuquerque's recruitment efforts and Double Eagle II is considered a major future employment center.

Piper is known more for its propeller-driven aircraft. The PiperJet is its first plane based on a turbofan engine, Miller said.

The $2.2 million single-engine jet will be capable of reaching a cruising speed of 360 knots, a maximum altitude of 35,000 feet with a range of 1,300 nautical miles. It can be configured to hold seven passengers, or six if it includes an encloseable lavatory, he said.

The company hopes to deliver its first PiperJets by 2010, Miller said.

Miller said Piper has set no timetable by which to make its decision. It is exploring locations outside its home state partly because of rising insurance costs.

"We've seen insurance premiums go from $400,000 to $500,000 a year to almost $5 million in the aftermath of the hurricanes," Miller said. "I think we owe it to the company, the shareholders, the employees for that matter, to ensure that the company is operating at its maximum competitiveness."

Which, for the moment, leaves Albuquerque with dreams of being the next Wichita.

"We want to be the Wichita of the West," Mondragon said.

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