The union that represents mechanics at United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and five other carriers is moving its national headquarters to the Denver area.
The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, based in Laconia, N.H., plans to relocate to Aurora by Aug. 1.
The move will create only a couple of jobs because most of the union's officers are scattered around the country. But AMFA - the airline industry's largest union for mechanics - will bring in members and officers for meetings, training and support, boosting money spent at area hotels, restaurants and shops. It also will add a bit of prestige to the area and to Denver International Airport.
"It's another indication of DIA's growing influence," said Wendy Mitchell, head of Aurora's economic development group. "And while it's only (a handful) of jobs, it's still a headquarters for us."
The union represents 13,000 mechanics and related workers at seven airlines, including 6,000 at United and 1,900 at Southwest Airlines. United is Denver's largest airline, while newcomer Southwest has grown quickly here.
AMFA has a local chapter here.
AMFA also considered moving to Dallas, Chicago and Phoenix. The union chose Denver largely because of its central location, said Doug Butz, -AMFA's national treasurer.
"It's more accessible for all the officers; it's more accessible for members to come visit and get work done," he said.
The cost of living in the Denver area also is comparable to Laconia, a resort town where property is expensive, Butz said.
Copyright 2005 LexisNexis, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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