ROCKFORD — A jet repair and maintenance facility that Rockford International Airport plans to build will be large enough to handle some of the biggest aircraft flying, including Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.
The $40 million facility will include two 9 1/2-story jet hangers as well as office space and will be spread over 13 acres.
The airport reached a deal last month to lease the facility to global aerospace and defense contractor AAR Corp.
The facility won’t be operational until early 2016, but Airport Director Mike Dunn anticipates it will become a base for servicing and repairing 787s.
The Rockford Register Star reports AAR CEO David Storch flew to Seattle recently to meet with Boeing executives about that possibility.
Officials say the facility’s size will ensure it remains active for decades.
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THE ASSOCIATED PRESS