American Airlines subsidiary Envoy is to expand its aircraft maintenance operations in Springfield, Missouri, USA by moving into a new and bigger facility.

The facility will be ready later in the year, Envoy said, and is owned by Springfield-Branson National Airport.

Envoy said the move would enable it to maintain more modern aircraft such as the Embraer E-175, which will create more jobs in the Springfield region, with additional potential for enhancements to air service in the future.

The facility offers space to house three aircraft inside, with additional room for more aircraft outside, dedicated areas for parts storage, training, employee parking and administration.

The expansion project has been in development for more than a year, but Envoy said current circumstances had “only increased the need” for E-175 aircraft.

“The new facility will allow scheduled overnight maintenance for up to three E-175 aircraft and provide line maintenance for the daily American Eagle service from Springfield to American’s hubs in Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago,” said Envoy vice president of maintenance Jay Murray.

“It will be staffed by Envoy employees, including mechanics, inventory control clerks, management and support personnel. We thank state and local officials at the Springfield-Branson National Airport, the airport board of directors, and the chamber of commerce for their continuous efforts and partnership. This new facility will continue to support our maintenance operation.”