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Piper Renegotiates Incentive Deal with Florida

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Key Takeaways:

  • Piper Aircraft's 2008 incentive agreement with Florida, tied to employment levels, was amended due to economic challenges and a decline in the light aircraft market.
  • Under the adjusted terms, Piper will retain $3.3 million in incentive payments immediately and can keep an additional $3.3 million if it maintains 650 full-time equivalent positions for the next four years.
  • Florida had previously reclaimed $13.3 million from escrow due to Piper's inability to meet the original 2008 agreement terms, despite Piper's significant investment and payroll contributions to the region.
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Piper Aircraft’s 2008 agreement with the state of Florida has been amended. The original incentive package included government tax incentives, payments and other benefits provided Piper maintained a minimum level of employment at its Vero Beach facility. That agreement was drawn up just before the economic collapse of November 2008, and Piper has struggled to meet its terms in light of severe reductions in the market for light aircraft.

Under the adjusted package, Piper will be allowed to keep $3.3 million of $6.6 million in incentive payments and will be allowed to keep the rest if it maintains a payroll roster of at least 650 full-time equivalent positions (averaging $46,500 per year) for the next four years.

Mark Phelps

Mark Phelps is a senior editor at AVweb. He is an instrument rated private pilot and former owner of a Grumman American AA1B and a V-tail Bonanza.

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