Story ID: 
Spectra Jet Kicks Off Next Expansion Phase
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: With its business growing, the company, based at Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport, will double the size of its facility.
Word Count: 208
Ohio-based Part 145 repair station Spectra Jet has embarked on the second stage of expansion at its Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport facility. The company, which specializes in servicing Bombardier Learjets and Challengers, completed its first phase in 2007 with a 24,000-sq-ft hangar and office complex. The company also operates the airport’s lone FBO.

This new phase will add 47,000 sq ft of ramp space, doubling the facility's existing apron, and is expected to be completed in October. That will pave the way for a third phase that will include a central office complex, additional space for back shops and a new 22,500-sq-ft hangar, construction of which is planned to begin in the spring.

“This will allow us to expand our Challenger operations, in addition to having the needed additional space for Learjets,” said company president Mike Catherwood, who also serves as the maintenance facility’s general manager. Lack of space has forced his staff to work on aircraft outdoors at times, as the hangar has been full for the past three years, he added. “We’ve been growing and adding people. Now we have 17 mechanics and still manage to take care of AOGs, repairs off site and keeping on schedule for large inspections at home.”