Boeing breaks ground for new facility in Florida

Boeing on Thursday broke ground to begin construction of a new 370,000-square-foot maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility located at Cecil Airport in Jacksonville, U.S. state of Florida, reported Xinhua.

Once complete, it will support Boeing's ability to deliver readiness outcomes for U.S. government customers, the company said.

The facility will include eight new hangars, additional workspace and offices where Boeing maintainers, engineers and data analysts will support U.S. Navy and Air Force aircraft.

"Boeing's decision... affirms our state's role as the leader in aerospace and will result in the creation of new, high-skilled jobs that will enhance our workforce," said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

The groundbreaking ceremony celebrates a 25-year lease agreement between Boeing and the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA), according to the company.

Under the agreement, the JAA will construct and lease to Boeing new facilities on approximately 30 acres near Boeing's existing MRO site. Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2023.