base as the largest single employer with over 1,000 workers. The Italian aerospace company operates a 320,000-square-foot production facility that manufactures military and civilian helicopters, supported by an $80 million training academy opened in 2021. Recent military contracts, including a $176 million Navy deal and participation in a $2.4 billion Air Force program, have strengthened Leonardo’s long-term presence. Fixed-base operator services remain concentrated under Atlantic Aviation, which holds an exclusive lease through 2029. “We’re under lease with Atlantic until 2029,” Brewer confirms. Earlier attempts to introduce competition through a second FBO provider fell through, prompting airport management to reconsider their approach.“The new FBO unfortunately did not work out. So now we’re having early discussions again about how we want to put out another RFP for that.” Development opportunities continue emerging as construction activity increases throughout Northeast Philadelphia, creating demand for executive transportation and specialized aviation services that support regional economic growth. A CAREER BUILT ON AVIATION PASSION Airport manager Brewer’s 31-year tenure at Northeast Philadelphia Airport signifies both personal dedication and professional evolution within an industry that demands adaptability and long-term vision. His journey from aspiring commercial pilot to airport management illustrates how aviation careers often take unexpected paths while maintaining core connections to flight operations. “I have my commercial pilot license as well. And I thought that that’s what I was going to do. While I was still in flight training, I got married and had kids and had a couple close incidents while I was flying and decided maybe I should get into the aviation management side instead of the piloting side,” Brewer explains. Photo Credit: DIGSAU, Ballers Philly, Ben Bowen Photography, Pennovation, and PIDC Lower Schuylkill Innovation Campus Dietz & Watson Ballers Philly @ the Battery Navy Yard Hanwha Philly Shipyard Pennovation DRIVING GROWTH TO EVERY CORNER OF PHILADELPHIA As the city’s public-private economic development corporation, PIDC is your gateway to opportunity in one of the nation’s most dynamic cities. We help businesses invest, expand, and thrive in Philadelphia by offering flexible financing, access to strategic commercial and industrial real estate, and over 65 years of local expertise. Your business belongs in Philly. Let’s build it together. PHILADELPHIA MEANS BUSINESS. IS YOURS NEXT? PIDCphila.com 77 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 05, ISSUE 02 NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA AIRPORT
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