Page 13 - World Trade Center - 2024

everywhere in the world, including heads
of state, so our facility here is conveniently
close to the political and population centers
of the U.S.”
Delaware is also close to other major
aviation facilities and corporate headquar-
ters, he noted — plus, the talent available in
this area of the U.S. is highly qualified due
to the excellent university infrastructure.
For companies considering a move
to Delaware, there is also the appeal of
being “a big fish in a small pond,” Hill said.
“You could be in a place like Dallas, which
COURTESY OF SUMMIT AVIATION, INC.
might be big for aviation, but might also
feel a little removed. Here, you are in a
small community that is growing rapidly
but still offers good cost of living and very
engaged local leadership.”
Another hallmark of Delaware’s aviation
industry is Summit Aviation, Inc., which
is based at an airport facility in Middle-
town. The company, in business since 1960,
offers a comprehensive range of services
including inspection, maintenance, repair
and modifications for airframes, engines
and avionics systems.
DEL AWARE AVIATION
Like ALOFT, Summit has an extensive
U.S. and international customer base. One
of its specialties is servicing helicopters
for corporate, military and law enforce-
ment clients. Summit supports clients
in Canada, the Netherlands, the United
Kingdom, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Morocco,
Lebanon, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates,
India, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Singapore
and Australia.
“Summit Aviation primarily supports the
movement of people through the Delaware
region,” said Tom Lark, vice president and
general manager. “Summit Airport caters
to corporate aviation and private jet oper-
ators, offering services such as refueling,
aircraft maintenance and hangar space. It
is often used as a base for corporate travel
due to its proximity to business hubs in the
Mid-Atlantic region.”
Delaware values the aviation industry
and is working hard to support technical
programs at regional schools, Lark said.
“Additionally, Delaware is known for its
favorable business climate, including low
taxes and a pro-business legal structure.” «
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