Houston Airports continues to invest in aviation by supporting the next generation of aeronautical professionals with an innovative learning environment.

On May 3^rd, the Houston City Council gave final approval and authorized a binding memorandum of agreement between Houston Airports and Texas Southern University (TSU) to develop a 2-acre site into an aeronautical hub to be used by TSU.

The agreement will span five years and will include the creation of an Aviation Education Facility at Ellington Airport.

The 2-acre facility will include:

• 22,000 square foot aircraft hangar
• 20,000 square feet of aircraft apron
• 7,200 square feet of office and training/classroom space
• 12,000 gallon above-ground aviation fuel tank
• Vehicle parking

“The City of Houston is proud of its partnership with Texas Southern University, and we are excited to witness the aviation students’ education and careers take flight,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “The air transportation industry in Houston and across the United States is growing and provides career opportunities for those with the skills needed to succeed.”

Mayor Turner continued, “Earlier this year, the City provided $1 million in seed money to create a transformational health center at TSU. This project will also transform lives and help students prepare for the future.”

Houston Airports, the Aviation Department of the City of Houston, has agreed to plan, design, and construct an aeronautical hangar.

“Houston Airports is honored to invest in and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals,” said Mario Diaz, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. “The facility at Ellington Airport continues the illustrious story of Houston’s aeronautical history. More than 100 years ago, farmers watched the U.S. Army carve runways through rice fields so the nation’s first pilots could train for World War I. Decades later, NASA chose Ellington Airport to train for the Apollo Lunar landing. Soon, students at Texas Southern University will apply the crucial lessons learned at Ellington Airport to revolutionize the aviation industry.”

Houston Airports will invest up to $5 million to build the facility. It will be constructed on approximately two acres of land that is accessible to an existing taxi-lane connector at Ellington Airport. Because TSU is an accredited university, the Federal Aviation Administration allows Houston Airports to charge a reduced annual rent of $60,000 to lease the facilities. If the lease is extended beyond the initial five-year period, full market rate rent shall be charged.  There is no impact on the City of Houston’s fiscal budget.

“The Aviation Science Management program at Texas Southern University is thankful for this investment the City of Houston and Houston Airports are making in our students and in the future of aviation,” said Executive Director of Aviation Dr. Terence Fontaine. “Likewise, we appreciate the unwavering support our program has received from President Lesia Crumpton-Young, Regent James Benham, and the entire Board of Regents to get us to this point. We are honored to be the first tenants in this new lease space. This opportunity provides an enhanced environment for student learning opportunities as we work to address our nation’s critical aviation needs. Furthermore, it provides space for our fleet of eight aircraft to be housed inside and protected from weather conditions, thus allowing us to preserve them for extended use.”

More than 500 aviation and aerospace-related companies operate in Houston. More than 23,000 aerospace and aviation professionals call Houston home.

TSU currently offers a program in aviation science and technology. Success and increased student interest are why TSU needs to expand its aviation training program. Houston Airports is supporting TSU in realizing its goal.

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Forward Times Staff

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