Blue Line Aviation, the Raleigh area’s leading flight training provider, broke ground on its new state-of-the-art training facility at Johnston Regional Airport (JNX) Tuesday morning.Over a 10-year span, the Blue Line Aviation Complex is expected to create approximately 134 jobs and employ approximately 300 people, adding to the rapid growth in the Johnston County community.
“Johnston Regional Airport is an asset for people and companies across Johnston County and the Research Triangle,” said Chris Johnson, Director of Johnston County Economic Development. “I am very pleased to have Blue Line Aviation partner with Johnston County as we work to develop and expand the potential of JNX as the premier location for economic development, business travel and now aviation training.”
The new aviation complex will feature hangar space, a professional pilot training center, a restaurant and rooftop terrace, a simulator room, executive and administrative offices, briefing rooms, and technical services.
The restaurant will be home to “Flights,” owned-and-operated by Chef Nate Roby and Colleen Roby, owners of Simple Twist, which has three locations in Johnston County.
“We are very excited and looking forward to this new opportunity to work together with Blue Line Aviation on our new restaurant,” Colleen Roby said.
Blue Line Aviation’s move from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Johnston Regional Airport has been made possible by collaborating with numerous leaders in the community. Blue Line Aviation — founded in 2012 by Trey and Kelsey Walters — and its family-oriented roots looks forward to becoming an integral part of the Johnston County Community.
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of Aviation, Johnston Regional Airport creates $119 million in business revenue, $12.7 million in state and local taxes and $39.9 million in personal income. The airport supports 820 jobs and serves 385,000 people within a 30-minute radius.
