Embraer has begun construction of three new U.S. service centers for executive jets. The Brazilian airframer broke ground on one facility at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Conn., in late July. It expects to have this center operational by the middle of next year. Last month, work began on its base at Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Construction on a third service center is under way at Williams Gateway Airport in Mesa, Ariz.

After-sales Support Is Impetus
The combined $40 million investments are part of the company’s effort to boost its after-sales capability for the Legacy, Lineage and Phenom business jets.

The 45,000-sq-ft facility at Windsor Locks will consist of a hangar, workshops and office space. This development will cost $10 million, and Embraer plans to employ 60 people there.

The manufacturer sorely needs the additional capacity to support its growing bizjet line.

Each of the new service centers will provide full support for Embraer’s aircraft, including routine inspections and scheduled and unscheduled maintenance for airframes, engines and avionics. They will also be used as bases for aircraft-on-ground support teams and will stock an inventory of expendable and repairable parts.