King Aerospace is outgrowing its four hangars' 200,000 sq ft of space at the 2,900 acre Ardmore Industrial Airpark, northeast of Ardmore, Oklahoma. The company has enjoyed consistent year-over-year growth in its services, which include maintenance, avionics, paint and interior refurbishment

King is finalising plans to build a new hangar that will add 90,000 sq ft, a 45 per cent increase. This additional footage will accommodate multiple large aircraft and shop facilities that will support large aircraft interior projects. In addition to VVIP aircraft, the Ardmore facility provides depot services for military and government aircraft. Construction could take a year to 15 months.

The Dallas-based, worldwide provider of corporate and military aviation services has enjoyed a presence at the airpark, part of the Ardmore Municipal Airport (ADM), since 1993. Founder Jerry King was specially attracted by the two runways. The longest, at 9,000 ft, accommodates commercial airliners and ultra-long-range business jets. The other, at 5,300 ft, serves turboprop planes and light-to-midsize jets. A BNSF railroad spur, solid utilities and the benefits of a rural location were also advantages. His son, company president Jarid King, says the relationship with the city of Ardmore has only grown over the years.

“We appreciate the city's ongoing improvements to infrastructure and commitment to help companies like King Aerospace grow,” says Jarid King. “Our city partners are always there for us, helping in ways large and small.”

The airpark started life as a World War II-era US Army base. Ardmore continues to invest in the airpark, including a reconstructed control tower that opened in 2018. To accommodate clients from around the world, King Aerospace developed and opened its own restaurant concept, JAKE's Joint, named after Jerry Allan King-Echevarria (JAKE). The menu offers a mix of chef-prepared, gourmet cuisine and old-style, country favourites.

“The level of food served reflects our overall commitment to excellence,” says King. “We like our clients to leave satisfied, and they almost always do. We live by our motto, 'No excuses.'”

Ardmore sits between DFW International in Dallas and Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City. Each is 90 miles away. King Aerospace's corporate aircraft division supports VVIP aircraft, specialising in the Boeing Business Jet, and serves as a primary subcontractor for the company's military/government aircraft division. The Ardmore location acts as a full-service maintenance and modification depot facility, is AS9110C certified, is a FAA and EASA certified repair station and offers avionics, interiors, modifications and paint. On any given day, walking through the Ardmore facilities, you might see everything from a head-of-state aircraft getting an interior upgrade to a business magnate's BBJ undergoing engine maintenance and repair.