Supersonic airliner project, new Airbus A220 assembly line among high-profile assignments; firm highlights key trends for National Aviation Week

In 2015, third-party professional services firm  HPM prepared for the takeoff of Airbus’ A320 Family Assembly Line in Mobile, Alabama. After delivering early and under budget, HPM was recognized as a leader in aviation program management. Since then, the firm’s aerospace footprint has grown across the country. In honor of National Aviation Week (August 19-23), HPM today shared analysis on the major trends impacting the rapidly evolving industry.

Following the success of the Airbus facility, HPM was engaged as the program manager for the design and construction of Airbus’ new A220 assembly line in Mobile - a nod to airline-industry requirements for smaller, more efficient jetliners that address consumer demand for larger seats and ample leg room. HPM is also currently overseeing the expansion of the original A320 Family manufacturing facility.

In addition, HPM is leading site selection, planning, design and construction of Boom Supersonic’s first U.S. manufacturing facility for Overture, a Mach-2.2 supersonic commercial airliner that will serve hundreds of transoceanic routes.

This summer, HPM celebrated the opening of Aerojet Rocketdyne’s 136,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama, with the firm providing preconstruction services and program management. The new facility serves as a key production hub for advanced propulsion products for major U.S. defense and space programs, and is expected to create more than 300 jobs.

Additional projects include program management for the construction of Haeco Americas’ fifth hangar in Greensboro, North Carolina; owner representation and preconstruction services for a new double-bay MRO hangar being developed by ST Aerospace in Pensacola, Florida; program management for Airbus’ new, state-of-the-art helicopter pilot and maintenance crew training center in Grand Prairie, Texas; and a national contract with FedEx for multiple airport expansions, upgrades to sorting facilities and office renovation assignments.

“The pace of innovation is fueling a flurry of investment in the aviation sector. We’re especially watching tier-1 suppliers, and are interested to see how they’ll adapt to the industry’s rapid growth,” says Ryan Austin, Chief Operating Office at HPM. “Ultimately, nothing flies until a facility is built, and HPM has the unique ability to efficiently deliver projects. Our capabilities ensure aviation clients can achieve the speed-to-market needed to stay ahead in the industry.”

Due to HPM’s experience with major players in the industry, the firm is on the forefront of innovation, and has outlined the following key trends to watch:

• Investment in facilities: Over the last several decades, enplanement (the number of passengers flying) has doubled every ten years. As a result, the industry continues to see significant investment in airport facilities, with millions of dollars in upgrades being made to parking areas, amenities and more. Airports are seeking to centralize business, improve the experience and create mini cities so that frequent flyers have everything they need to work, shop, dine and live in one place.

• Mobility & Technology: By 2030, 60% of the Earth’s population is projected to live in urban neighborhoods, causing increased congestion on roads and major thoroughfares. Because of this, airspace is the new frontier for travel. In the future, city commuters could have the option to board theCityAirbus to travel through urban airspace. Expect to see demand for UAVs rise as industries such as farming, construction, law enforcement and film continue to invest in drone technology and develop new uses for operations.

• Efficiency: As airlines brace for a period of global economic uncertainty, right-sizing aircraft is a priority. And, as intra-regional routes are expected to grow, airlines are refreshing their aging fleets with more cost-efficient, fuel-efficient and smaller aircrafts. Lightweight carbon fiber and composite materials are becoming a preferred alternative to previously used metals such as steel and iron. Manufacturers are seeing cost-savings in maintenance and replacement costs of carbon fiber components. In addition, the introduction of battery technology will result in hybrid engines – exactly how it’s used in automobiles today – allowing for more sustainable, efficient and quieter air travel.

A tight labor market and ever-evolving technology means aviation capital projects are becoming significantly more complicated, leading to a full-scale sprint among competitors to quickly identify and secure outsourced talent. Significant cost-savings from reduced change orders and overruns are further fueling the program management boom as more aerospace companies recognize the value third-party providers deliver.

“Aviation projects are extremely complex, and HPM’s business model of providing onsite, day-to-day program management is well-suited to fit the industry’s needs,” continues Austin. “Right now, the sky’s the limit for HPM. We look forward to this next chapter of growth and innovation for our firm.”

National Aviation Week celebrates the legacy of aviation, and is intended to increased awareness, knowledge and appreciate of the industry. The week commemorates the birthday of Orville Wright – who, alongside his brother Wilbur Wright, is credited for producing the world’s first successful airplane.

To learn more about HPM’s aviation projects and service offerings, visit: hpmleadership.com/aviation.

About HPM

HPM combines comprehensive planning, design and construction-related experience with professional skills and resources to offer clients a one-stop approach to complete management of capital building and improvement projects. The HPM team serves as owners’ representatives to ensure your facilities are delivered on time, within budget and beyond expectations. From real estate acquisition analysis and site selection, to project team procurement, design and construction management, to building commissioning and move management, HPM services clients in the aerospace and aviation industry and in automotive, education, sports and entertainment, and state and local government. To truly understand HPM’s value and services, please visit www.hpmleadership.com.