A ceremony has taken place to mark the launch of a new aviation maintenance, repair and services hub called the Mid-Atlantic Opportunity Park.

Set to open fall 2024, Opportunity Park is a transformative project for the Southern Alleghenies region, and is being built as a nearly 130-acre extension to the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport (JST).

A 100,000 sq ft aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility will be central to the site, with additional retail space for parts suppliers, paint shops, and distribution facilities.

The ceremonial groundbreaking event was attended by local and state elected officials including US Congressman Glenn Thompson, Pennsylvania Senator Wayne Langerholc, and Pennsylvania Representative Jim Rigby.

Langerholc said: “This is a potential game-changer, not only for the airport, but also for the entire region.

“An expansion of this magnitude will undoubtedly increase the region’s profile in the aviation space.”​

Thompson said: “Aviation has always been at the heart and soul of Johnstown and its roots, and we’re proud to now be able to expand on that legacy with the Mid-Atlantic Opportunity Park

“This will solidify the area’s role as a prime destination in the aviation sector and prove to be a long-term economic driver for the community.”​

Rigby said: “The Opportunity Park is addressing workforce challenges and cultivating a talent pipeline not only for our defense community, but for the aviation community on a national scale.”

Once up and running, activities at the facility will range from routine aircraft maintenance and repair of instruments and controls to complete overhaul.

With direct runway access through neighbouring JST, the MRO will be in close proximity to some of the country’s largest metropolitan areas, including Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York and Chicago.

Larry Nulton, chief executive of the park’s developer, Cambrian Hills Development Group, said: “The Opportunity Park is the perfect example of this region’s collaborative spirit.

“Business, academia and government leaders have come together to make this project happen, and to acknowledge that we have the industry expertise and favourable geography to make this area Pennsylvania’s newest hub for the aviation industry.”