SMITHFIELD, N.C. (September 24, 2019) – Bobbitt Design Build joined Blue Line Aviation last week to celebrate the groundbreaking on a new $13-million training facility at Johnston Regional Airport (JNX). Bobbitt was selected to design and construct the Smithfield facility that will become the new headquarters for Blue Line Aviation, the region’s leading flight training provider.
“We at Blue Line believe that we made a great decision by partnering with Bobbitt Design Build. Their unsurpassed level of professionalism, their ability to provide us guidance through the commercial building process, along with their commitment to bringing our vision to a reality has been invaluable to us,” said Monica Meadows, Business Development Officer at Blue Line Aviation.
Blue Line will move its headquarters from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) – where it has been located since its founding in 2012 – to Johnston County after the facility’s completion in late 2020. The new 40,531-square-foot aviation complex will house hangar space, a restaurant and rooftop terrace, a professional pilot training center, a full-motion flight simulator room, executive and administrative offices, briefing rooms and technical services.
The rooftop restaurant, to be called Flights, will be owned and operated by Chef Nate Roby and Colleen Roby, owners of Simple Twist, which has three locations in Johnston County, along with Simple Twist Taproom in Smithfield.
“We’re certainly very thrilled to be part of this project and help Blue Line realize its dreams,” said Andy Speck, Project Developer at Bobbitt Design Build. “That’s what we do. We help turn those visions into realities. We’re blessed to be part of it. We’re glad to see the success that Blue Line is having. This is just going to propel them to do more.”
Over a span of 10 years, the Blue Line Aviation Complex is expected to create 134 jobs and employ nearly 300 people, adding to the fast-growing 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.”
About Blue Line Aviation
Blue Line Aviation is a professional pilot training organization headquartered in North Carolina. The company specializes in airline and professional flight training, but offers comprehensive and accelerated training for pilots of all levels.
For more information about Blue Line Aviation, go to www.bluelineaviationllc.com
About Bobbitt
As a modern-day master builder, The Bobbitt Group, Inc., family of companies provides integrated architectural design, engineering, permitting and construction – all under one roof – for owners and developers of commercial and industrial facilities. Founded in 1946 and dual headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., and Columbia, S.C., Bobbitt has delivered more than 4,000 high-quality buildings throughout the Southeast.
