MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) All three Mobile County Commissioners will head to Hamburg, Germany Friday to tour an Airbus facility similar to the one that will be built in Mobile.
County Commissioner Jerry Carl said he hopes to come back with business deals that would really benefit Mobile County. St. Elmo Airport sits on about 720 acres of land.
"People that you see here are basically weekend warriors is what we call them," said president of M-Squared Aircraft Paul Matther.
Besides its use for recreational purposes, the state owned airport also houses Paul Matther's business. He builds small aircraft from scratch.
"This would be our 13th year in a commercial capacity building airplanes doing flight training," said Matther.
Carl stated he hopes with plans of upgrading the airport, more aviation based companies will come too. The airport has more than enough space.
"We've been working with the state. We've been working with the federal government. We've got to extend the run way and actually lay the foundation," said Carl.
The state and county will work to raise $6 million to extend the runway by 1,000 feet and to make other improvements. With those plans set in place, Carl will travel to Hamburg Friday.
"We have an invitation from Airbus to come tour the plant to see the facility. That's going to be closest to what will be build here," said Carl.
Which is perfect timing, a time to speak directly to contractors and suppliers that currently work with Airbus.
Carl added, "We have 50 lots available to build on. Developers will build them. The state will continue to own the property, and it will be a cash flow for the state."
The airport is just 15 minutes from Brookley where Airbus will move. It is a convenient spot for suppliers and contractors to build warehouses to provide material for the plant.
Carl added, "It gives them an option to build a facility and stay in Mobile County."
