April 11, 2024
Pilatus PC-12 operator Tradewind Aviation is expanding its hangar and maintenance facilities as it adds 20 of the Swiss turboprops.
Pilatus PC-12 operator Tradewind Aviation is expanding its footprint in the Northeast with a new hangar facility at Hudson Valley Regional Airport in Dutchess County, New York.
The 50,000-square-foot complex will be operational by summer, according to a press release.
The facility provides additional space for overflow from bases at Waterbury-Oxford Airport and Westchester County Airport in White Plains.
The investment in the new hangar is key for Tradewind’s growth plans. The airline continues to bolster its managed fleet of aircraft. It also ordered 20 new Pilatus PC12-NGX directly from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
The first of those turboprops arrived at the Westchester County Airport in December 2022. They will continue at a rate of at least four per year over the next five years.
Tradewind’s new presence will be a strong economic driver in Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley. It will also broaden the recruitment area for pilots, trainees amassing flight hours, and ground crew.
“We are pleased to be expanding with a new hangar and are looking forward to taking advantage of the services and convenience of Hudson Valley Regional Airport,” said Eric Zipkin, Co-Founder CEO.
He added, “The Hudson Valley region is booming in many ways right now and is often referred to as the New Hamptons. As we take ownership of additional turboprops, add more routes to our scheduled flight service, and entice more people to discover the benefits of private aviation, the additional hangar space will be a big advantage for our operation.”
The new base is located seven miles south of Poughkeepsie in Wappingers Falls, New York. It’s about an hour’s drive north of Westchester County Airport.
The airport offers Fixed Base Operator services, including concierge services for aviation operators.
The airport’s terminal stretches nearly 17,000 square feet and is home to several local businesses, including tax experts, a café, and a flight academy.
Tradewind has an as-available jet card program. It also offers by-the-seat scheduled flights from private terminals.
