US MRO Constant Aviation has made major improvements at its aircraft painting operation at Orlando Sanford International airport, which will expand its capabilities and require hiring additional technicians. The paint shop is part of a full-service MRO facility and can accommodate large-cabin aircraft such as the Gulfstream 650, Dassault Falcon 7X and Bombardier Global. It is the latest in a series of upgrades at Orlando Sanford since Constant Aviation opened the facility four years ago and is expected to bring 50 new jobs to Orlando.

“The continued expansion of our offering at Orlando Sanford International airport, with increased efficiencies and faster turnaround, will reduce aircraft down time, all while maintaining the highest levels of quality work,” says Constant Aviation CEO David Davies. “And by locating this facility in one of the busiest states for private jet travel, it enables us to offer a full set of services to aircraft owners from all over.”

The company recently earned certification through the FAA's SMS programme, ranking Constant Aviation among the leaders nationally in business aviation maintenance safety and risk mitigation.

The first aircraft to be painted in the new facility, a Bombardier Global Express, is scheduled to be booked in on 15 May, according to Kevin Dillon, Constant's COO. “When we entered the Orlando market, we expanded the facilities to handle more aircraft, increased our ability to handle more airframe types and extended our leases. Now, we continue to invest in enhancements based on robust demand. These improvements to the aircraft painting operation will allow us to improve our paint efficiencies, increasing our available paint slots by 20 per cent.”

Also at the Orlando Sanford facility is Constant's dedicated interior centre where cabinetmakers and upholsterers specialise in complete cabin reconfigurations and refurbishments. These modifications improve the comfort and usability of each aircraft for its operators. Other capabilities at Orlando Sanford include scheduled inspections, avionics upgrades and general maintenance on aircraft from a variety of manufacturers.

In the four years since acquiring its Orlando facility, Constant Aviation has added nearly 35,000 sq ft of hangar space and invested more than $10 million in physical improvements. In 2020, Constant underscored its commitment to Orlando by extending the leases for its paint and interior modification facilities through 2028. The lease for its primary maintenance facility extends through 2030.

Constant Aviation also operates aircraft maintenance facilities at Cleveland Hopkins International airport and a nationwide network of mobile technicians deploying from 24 strategically-located base stations and providing dedicated maintenance, avionics and structure services.