Slate Aviation, one of the largest operators of VIP Bombardier CRJ and Challenger 850 aircraft in the U.S., and Macon-Bibb County, announced today the opening of an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and cabin conversion facility at Middle Georgia Regional Airport. The 80,000 square foot facility was formerly occupied by Bombardier and Stevens Aerospace at 100 East Drive.
Slate Aviation will use the facility to support maintenance and cabin conversions of its nearly 35 CRJ-200 aircraft to VIP charter and shuttle seating configurations, for use in both its private charter and per-seat services within Continental U.S, Caribbean, and Canada. The facility is currently staffed by 40 plus technicians, which will grow to a staff of over 50 full-time employees during the course of 2025. The facility is led by Slate’s VP of Aircraft Production, Jonathan Cornwell, and Juan Silva, both of whom have over 25 years of aircraft interior completion experience at several global aviation interior companies.
“I want to welcome Slate Aviation to our community and to Team Macon-Bibb,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “With these world-class charter planes being created here – and the coming of our world-class FBO shaped like a guitar – we are truly putting Macon-Bibb on the map.”
“Macon-Bibb County has a very favorable business climate, a talented workforce, and it is strategically located for our needs,” said Ms. Maguire. “We look forward to getting to work here and are so appreciative of the warm welcome we’ve received from the Macon-Bibb community.”
About Macon-Bibb County
Macon-Bibb County is the fourth largest city in Georgia. Created on January 1, 2014 after being approved by the voters, it is Georgia’s newest consolidated government and serves more than 156,000 people and tens of thousands more daily visitors. Macon-Bibb’s governing body consists of 10 Commissioners, with the Mayor serving as its Chair and the Chief Executive Officer of the administration.
About Tri State Charter and Slate Aviation®
Slate Aviation is the new marketing name of Tri State Charter. Operating over 3,500 flights annually and with over 100 employees nationwide, Tri State is the chosen large cabin operator for discerning clients throughout the United States, including government officials, former heads of state, award-winning artists, and private principals and their families. The Company and its affiliates own and/or operate over 30 Bombardier aircraft, with a uniform fleet type that supports in-house, vertically integrated pilot training and maintenance operations. Slate is an ARGUS Platinum Safety rated carrier.