Slate Aviation, one of the largest U.S. operators of Bombardier CRJs and Challenger 850s, last week opened an 80,000-sq-ft aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and cabin conversion facility at Middle Georgia Regional Airport. Located at a former Bombardier and Stevens Aerospace site, the facility is set to support the conversion of CRJ-200s into VIP charter and shuttle configurations.

More than 40 technicians are employed at the facility, and Slate plans to expand the workforce to more than 50 employees by year-end. Jonathan Cornwell, Slate’s v-p of aircraft production, is leading the facility, bringing more than 25 years of experience in aircraft interior completions. Juan Silva, also part of the leadership team, adds expertise in aviation interior services.

The MRO will also support Slate Aviation’s fleet, which includes nearly 35 CRJ-200s used for private air charter and per-seat services across the continental U.S., the Caribbean, and Canada. In addition to the MRO and conversion services, Slate Aviation recently announced a partnership with VistaJet to expand its per-seat services between premium U.S. destinations, starting with flights between New York and South Florida.