Blue Line Aviation has broken ground on a $13-million facility at Johnston Regional Airport in North Carolina, expanding its footprint from its Raleigh-area base. The flight training organization has two locations currently, at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and at Johnston (JNX). Operations at JNX will be suspended during the construction of the new facility, while training continues at RDU.
The 40,000-plus square foot building will house hangar space alongside the company’s new headquarters, which it will be moving from RDU upon completion of the construction, projected for the end of 2020. Blue Line Aviation expects to create about 134 new jobs, bringing its total employment to 300 people over the next ten years.
“Johnston Regional Airport (JNX) is an asset for people and companies across Johnston County and the Research Triangle,” said Chris Johnson, Director of Johnston County Economic Development. “I am very pleased to have Blue Line Aviation partner with Johnston County as we work to develop and expand the potential of JNX as the premier location for economic development, business travel and now aviation training.”
The company has committed to building its fleet over the next two years, starting with the current lineup of 2 Cessna 172 JT-As, 5 Diamond DA40 NGs, 4 DA 20s, a Diamond 42-TDS and a 42-VI.—several of which have air conditioning to make flight training in the North Carolina summertime more comfortable.
The new facility will also house a restaurant, called “Flights,” with a rooftop terrace, developed in concert with Nate and Colleen Roby, owners and operators of three Simple Twist locations in the Johnston County area, and the Simple Twist Taproom in Smithfield.
