Leonardo Helicopters Cuts Ribbon at New Peter Prince Hangar

Posted on July 14, 2021 by Staff reports

Santa Rosa County leaders today joined officials from Leonardo Helicopters to cut the ribbon on a new maintenance facility at Peter Prince Airport where the company will begin local operations. Leonardo is an Italian aerospace company with North American headquarters and industrial operations in Philadelphia, PA that is expected to bring 50 new, high-paying jobs to the area.
 
“You attract high-quality companies like Leonardo because you set your sights on them,” said District 2 Commissioner Bob Cole, who serves as the county’s economic development chair. “We’re here today because we were willing to put our time, talent, and treasure into the effort to get them.”
 
Leonardo was awarded a contract with the Navy to deliver and maintain up to 130 new training helicopters that will be used at NAS Whiting Field. With infrastructure funding from Triumph Gulf Coast, constructions will begin soon on a larger facility at the new Whiting Aviation Park. Once it is complete, the company will use both facilities.
 
“It is our distinct pleasure to cut the ribbon on this new maintenance facility, as it signifies an important step in our partnership with Santa Rosa County,” stated Bill Hunt, Chief Executive Officer, Leonardo Helicopters in the U.S. “This space allows us to begin operations even before the permanent facility is complete, better serving our Navy customer, providing jobs and making a positive impact on the local economy.”