Flying Colours breaks ground on Phase 1 of a $3.5m expansion plan

Flying Colours Corp. the Canadian completions, refurbishment and maintenance specialist has broken ground on the first phase, of a three phase expansion plan, at its Peterborough, Ontario headquarters. An investment of over $3.5m will expand the company’s footprint and increase its large cabin completion and maintenance capabilities at its Peterborough Airport facility. With the steel framework now in place, 20 000ft² is being added to one of the company’s existing three hangars. The existing hangar is currently accommodating a long term project that will see eight Bombardier CRJ 200 regional airliners converted to 16 seat corporate shuttle configurations. This is the first executive shuttle configuration programme Flying Colours has undertaken and reflects the company’s ambitions to widen its offering to the aviation market place. Phase one is due for completion in the first quarter of 2014, and whilst large enough to accommodate wide body aircraft, the new building will initially be utilised to increase Flying Colours Corp.’ refurbishment and maintenance capabilities for pre-owned large cabin size aircraft, particularly on the Bombardier Global and Challenger 870 families. It is anticipated that the additional space will also be used for a number of special mission programmes including the fulfilment of a multiple aircraft contract for modifications to seven CRJ 700/CL870 airframes destined for Asia. The new structure will be equipped to handle refurbishment projects, avionics installations and upgrades, heavy maintenance projects and full interior completions. Phases two and three, which are expected to complete in 2015, will incorporate further additional hangar space of approximately 45,000ft² and will incorporate an additional large cabin hangar, increased shop space for maintenance and interior workshops, and a new down draft paint facility.