Posted by Heidi Schwartz
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear welcomed Southern Air to the Commonwealth and praised the company for its decision to locate its headquarters in Kentucky.
“This is a proud day for the Commonwealth, with the addition of up to 150 jobs and the global headquarters for Southern Air in northern Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear. “We are fortunate to be blessed with an ideal location, but this also serves as a powerful testament to Kentucky’s workforce, quality of life and business climate.”
“Northern Kentucky has a talented aviation community, and we know Southern Air will enhance that reputation and grow the talent here even more,” said Lt. Gov. Abramson. “We’re excited to see 150 jobs and an initial investment of $3.5 million, and we welcome Southern Air’s headquarters to the Commonwealth.”
Founded in 1947, Southern Air serves a customer base that includes some of the world’s largest intercontinental air cargo carriers and government agencies. Southern Air is the first ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) operator in the world to operate the fuel efficient Boeing 777 Freighter and currently operates four such aircraft on an around-the-world basis for global express delivery provider DHL Express.
“We have relocated our corporate headquarters to northern Kentucky, where we will be even better positioned to grow profitably, deliver the highest quality services to our global customers, and meet and exceed their air cargo needs,” said Daniel J. McHugh, CEO of Southern Air. “With this relocation, we look forward to building on our strong partnership with DHL Express at its main U.S. hub at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.”
To encourage the investment and job creation in northern Kentucky, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $2.7 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the term of the agreement through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.
“Our area is primed for the aeronautical industry, dedicated workforce and great quality of life,” said Sen. John Schickel, of Union. “I am thrilled with Southern Air’s confidence in us.”
“We welcome Southern Air to our community and wish the company every success as a global leader in air cargo transport,” said Rep. Addia K. Wuchner, of Florence. “Our airport not only serves as an international hub for visitors to northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, but CVG’s location and logistics provide the perfect synergy for air cargo businesses to serve both their domestic and global customers. Southern Air’s decision to relocate its headquarters to CVG, along with DHL Express’s Americas main U.S. hub at CVG, provides a great opportunity to forge business alliances and strengthen our region as a shipping hub.”
“The addition of Southern Air to the Florence and northern Kentucky market is a boost for the region. We are pleased to welcome this company to our community and look forward to a lasting relationship,” said Florence Mayor Diane Whalen. “Southern Air joins a thriving group of expanding northern Kentucky companies creating solid jobs for our workforce. We intend to assist in their growth by providing a successful business environment wherever and whenever possible.”
“Southern Air’s arrival in northern Kentucky has elevated our community to new heights,” said Boone County Judge-Executive and Chairman Northern Kentucky Tri-County Economic Development Corporation (Tri-ED) Gary Moore. “The impact this global cargo carrier brings in concert with DHL’s presence is immense and will have a beneficial ripple effect on the local economy. We sincerely thank Southern Air for its confidence and investment in northern Kentucky.”