KCI overhaul base lands work from two more airlines

The aircraft overhaul base at Kansas City International Airport has landed two new clients.

Base operator Aviation Technical Services said Thursday that Hawaiian Airlines and Air Canada have signed on to have aircraft work done at the facility. ATS already does work for the two airlines in Everett, Wash., where it is based.

The Kansas City operation employs more than 70 technicians and support workers.

ATS has said it plans to employ 540 and use 40 contract workers at the facility in the next three to five years.

“We’re going to continue to hire,” ATS spokeswoman Nicole Allard said. “Having that new work is really going to help support all those workers.”

Work for Hawaiian Airlines involves “nose-to-tail heavy checks” on Boeing 767 aircraft beginning in September, the company’s announcement said. Work for Air Canada involves Boeing 787 aircraft starting in September and extending through 2018.

ATS announced the deals Thursday as part of its formal opening of the center, though work for UTair Aviation, one of Russia’s largest airlines, began May 1. Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon attended the opening.

The 607,000-square-foot overhaul base for many years had been the maintenance facility for Trans World Airlines and other airlines under contract with the city. TWA was bought by American Airlines in 2001. The base closed in 2010.

This story was originally published July 24, 2014 at 5:10 PM.