Long positioned as primarily a commercial passenger airport, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is quickly becoming an economic development engine with its growing aviation industry ecosystem.
On Monday, the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority Board of Directors approved a 40-year lease with Stans, Switzerland-based Pilatus Business Aircraft for two parcels totaling just more than 17 acres. That’s where the company plans to invest at least $40 million and create some 350 jobs with an average wage of $80,000 per year.
Pilatus is a global designer and manufacturer of aircraft, simulators and cutting-edge systems for pilot training. Over the next three years, it plans to build more than 120,000 square feet of office, customer service, hangar and aircraft assembly space over two phases. …