The Macon-Bibb County consolidated government and Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority announced that Embraer will bring heavy maintenance operations for their commercial jet aircraft to one of the large hangars at Middle Georgia Regional Airport. The announcement took place at an Industrial Authority Board Meeting.

The company, which is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats, has committed to a three-year lease agreement with three one-year options. Embraer will employ 100 people at the facility, with an estimated $4.5 million in payroll annually. Additionally, they will be investing $1.6 million into the facility and operation.

“We are proud to grow our Embraer Aircraft Maintenance Services division, the world’s center of excellence for Embraer ERJ and E-Jet heavy maintenance and component repair, to Macon-Bibb County,” says Frank Stevens, Vice President, Global MRO Centers for Embraer Services & Support/TechCare.

“EAMS exists to offer innovative services to Embraer’s family of customers, and after an exhaustive search, we believe Middle Georgia Regional Airport is the ideal location to continue that tradition in the U.S.”

“We are delighted to welcome Embraer to Macon-Bibb County as our newest corporate partner, and we are excited for their recognition of what our airport, our location, and our community can offer to their growing company and workforce,” says Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert.

“Through consolidation, we have become a more attractive location for large industry, and as a result, we are seeing more jobs coming to the area.”

“To have a company of Embraer’s quality and international reputation select Macon-Bibb and the Middle Georgia Regional Airport as its new site for heavy maintenance operations is a major win for our entire community,” says Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority Chair Robby Fountain, Jr. “The Industrial Authority is proud to be a lead in bringing new industries to our Airport.”