On January 19, 2016, the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority and its partners will announce a new economic development partnership with Yulista Aviation, Inc. The partnership announcement happens on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 12:00pm at the hangar.  The Macon Transit Authority will transport program attendees from the Terminal to the hangar from 11:00am-11:45am, and return them to the Terminal following the event. The public is invited to attend.
 
"One of the goals identified by the Commission and the public is to expand the use of our airports and become a transportation and logistics hub in Georgia," said Macon-Bibb's Mayor Robert A. B.  Reichert. "Our airports can be greater centers of economic activity, and we're delighted Yulista believes in our community and its potential."

Yulista is an aviation industry leader in aviation prototyping, engineering, and manufacturing support.  In addition to the US Air Force, the new hangar will support other Dept. of Defenses service and US Government Agencies. This partnership positions Macon-Bibb for exceptional economic growth and job creation in the aviation/aerospace industry. The Authority has invested over $1 million in this partnership by leasing a 21k sq. ft. hangar at the Middle Georgia Regional Airport.  

Yulista Aviation Inc. President, Darrell Harrison said, "Yulista Aviation has been supporting the Warner Robins Air Force community since 2011. This new hangar will provide Yulista the capability to meet a broader range of customer requirements and satisfy national security needs. This new facility will increase the opportunities to grow the Macon and Warner Robins workforce."  
 
It is estimated by 2034, there will be a need for 609,000 new maintenance technicians in the aviation industry.  Preparing now to meet the needs of the future are directly aligned to the strategic goals of the Authority to bolster Macon-Bibb's tax base, to create new jobs, and to innovate new opportunities for economic development.
 
"Building on its current presence in the region, Yulista Aviation's expansion into Macon-Bibb County demonstrates recognition of our community's strong and diverse workforce.  Yulista working with the Industrial Authority to repurpose an existing Middle Georgia Regional Airport hangar also exemplifies how communities and companies can creatively collaborate, irrespective of lines on a map, to the benefit of everyone," said Cliffard Whitby, Chairman of the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority. "Yulista's excellence in providing services to our armed services, while respecting the cultural heritage of and commitment to the company's shareholders, epitomizes the kind of corporate citizen which strengthens our local and national economy."
 
Last year was a banner year for the aviation/aerospace industry in Macon-Bibb.  In September, the Boeing Co. announced plans to invest $81.7 million to convert its existing facility in Macon-Bibb to produce 747-8 fuselage panel and created 200 advanced manufacturing jobs.  The Authority partnered with Middle Georgia State University in October to expand its fixed-wing flight and airport management instruction by offering the program at Macon Downtown Airport. The university also will manage the fixed-base operation and fuel farm at the airport in east Bibb County.  The Authority will lease about 5,100 square feet of classroom and office space and about 6,100 square feet of hangar space to the university.
 
"Yulista, from the beginning, has been a great partner to work with, " said Doug Faour, Manager of the Middle Georgia Regional Airport. "They have shown us they want to come to Macon-Bibb County, and we're looking forward to working with and supporting them for years to come."