Airport leader optimistic about Mitsubishi’s arrival

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — As the acquisition of Bombardier nears closure, the director of North Central West Virginia Airport says the future of parties’ relationship looks great.

Mitsubishi’s $550 million deal with Bombardier is expected to close in June and will include maintenance, support, refurbishment and marketing functions.

Bombardier will continue to supply spare parts for regional jet aircraft.

Director Rick Rock said he is looking forward to the updated partnership.

“Mitsubishi is just a larger company with a lot more resources,” he said. “I think they have the ability to come in and bring a different perspective.”

Although there has been a drop in business because of the coronavirus pandemic, Rock argued Mitsubishi will grow in the region, bringing aviation jobs to the airport.

“The amount of pilots and the amount of airplane mechanics before, there was a shortage,” he said. “We expect that at some point that’s going to go back to the case and that will mean good things for employment levels at the airport.”





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