A flight college is setting up shop in Osceola County and is expected to pump millions of dollars into the economy.
The new Aviatior College will invest more than $7 million into their new campus and, in turn, create pilots and mechanics that will go into the aviation industry at a time when many airlines are dealing with a pilot shortage.
The Aviatior College in Fort Pierce has out grown their current space, which is why they're moving to Kissimmee Gateway Airport.
“We’ve been working very hard for several years to try to enhance and encourage additional business investment into our airport," said Kissimmee Mayor Jim Swan. "We’re building a new road through the north end to encourage that investment.”
The city of Kissimmee is offering the Aviatior College $400,000 as incentive. In turn, the city said new campus will pump $7 million into the local economy and create 60 new jobs with an average wage of $40,000.
But that is just the groundwork. Aviatior College officials said the future is sky high.
“As the shortage of pilots continues worldwide, mainly in the US, there’s also a huge shortage of mechanics which is starting to develop,” said Michael Cohen, president of the college.
This new campus in Kissimmee will have a stronger emphasis on airframe and power plant mechanics.
The school will accept 100 students per year. Tuition ranging between $25,000 to $30,000 for the one or two-year programs. And once complete, Cohen said students should have no problem finding a job.
The Aviatior College said they will begin construction on their new school Monday with plans to officially open by January 2015.