Wholesale aviation parts distributor Southern Cross Aviation announces expansion into Mesa
Published: 07/23/2024
Updated: 07/22/2024
Southern Cross Aviation will bolster the Greater Phoenix aviation and aerospace and defense industries
Mesa, Ariz. (July 23, 2024) — Southern Cross Aviation, a leading wholesale aviation parts distributor, announced today its expansion to Mesa, Arizona, to support the thriving general aviation, commercial aviation, and defense aerospace industries in Greater Phoenix. This strategic expansion marks the company’s third location, complementing its headquarters and distribution center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and its distribution facility in Anchorage, Alaska.
In Mesa, Southern Cross Aviation will cater to a diverse range of aviation operators, including regional airlines, flight schools, MRO shops, law enforcement agencies, medical evacuation operators, charter companies, aircraft owners, and more. The new facility will be strategically positioned to serve 10 international and regional airports in Maricopa County, including Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
“Aviation is part of Mesa’s identity and I’m thrilled to welcome Southern Cross Aviation to our city,” said Mesa Mayor John Giles. “Their presence will not only bring new jobs and economic opportunities but also enhance Mesa’s reputation as a hub for innovation and growth in the aviation and aerospace sectors.”
The presence of reputable aviation companies in and around Mesa was a significant factor for Southern Cross Aviation. Its new facility on Pecos and Sossaman roads, located just off Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, positions the company ideally to serve clients across Greater Phoenix.
“This strategic expansion will allow Southern Cross Aviation to deliver efficient solutions to its critical operators in this booming aerospace region. Our mission has always been to provide the highest level of customer service to our clientele, and we believe this expansion will enable us to uphold that mission in the region,” said Ricardo Carvalho, Co-Founder & Director of Sales. “We are thrilled to join the Greater Phoenix aviation community and look forward to contributing to its growth and success.”
Photo credit: Southern Cross Aviation
Southern Cross Aviation will collaborate with educational institutions to bolster training programs at a crucial time in which there is an increasing need for pilots and a corresponding increase in students pursuing pilot certificates. The Federal Aviation Administration reported a 24% increase in new pilot licenses between 2022 and 2023, with the state serving as a national leader with 24 training centers in Greater Phoenix and nearly 11,000 students throughout Arizona in 2023. Southern Cross Aviation will play a key role in distributing parts to these institutions, addressing the growing need for more pilots.
“Southern Cross Aviation’s Mesa distribution hub and focus on workforce development will provide a substantial impact to the regional aviation ecosystem,” said Greater Phoenix Economic Council President & CEO Chris Camacho. “Greater Phoenix’s legacy of aviation and aerospace and defense will serve as a strong foundation for the company to continue its growth trajectory.”
Southern Cross Aviation is investing over $10 million in its new 23,599 square-foot facility dedicated to stocking and distributing aviation parts and components. This investment includes building improvements, warehouse fixtures, machinery, and inventory.
The company, which signed its lease in November 2023, is now fully operational in Mesa. Southern Cross Aviation anticipates future growth and job creation in Maricopa County.
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Click here for photo files. Credit to Southern Cross Aviation. For media inquiries, please contact:
Logan Newman, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, lnewman@gpec.org
Kim Lofgreen, City of Mesa, kim.lofgreen@mesaaz.gov
About Southern Cross Aviation
Southern Cross Aviation, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL, is a globally recognized leader in the distribution of aircraft parts and components. With over 35 years of industry expertise, Southern Cross Aviation supports General, Commercial, and Defense Aerospace sectors with unparalleled customer service, timely distribution solutions, and an extensive inventory of aircraft parts and components. Their value-added services and customer-first approach ensure the highest standards of satisfaction, making Southern Cross Aviation a trusted partner in the global aerospace industry.
About the City of Mesa
With a population of more than 517,000, Mesa, Arizona is the 36th largest city in the United States and second largest in the Phoenix-Mesa metro area. Mesa encompasses 138 square miles inside the metro area, which has a population of 5 million people and is projected to grow to 5.2 million by 2028. Mesa is a vibrant city and a premier location for business development opportunities. Serving industry leaders such as Amazon, Apple, AT&T, Banner Health, Boeing, Bridgestone, Dexcom, Meta, Google, Gulfstream, Northrop Grumman, Virgin Galactic, and many more, Mesa is a smart location for intelligent companies. www.SelectMesa.com
About the Greater Phoenix Economic Council
The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), globally recognized as a top economic development organization (EDO), works to attract and grow quality businesses and advocate for the competitiveness of Greater Phoenix. A data-driven regional EDO, GPEC works with 22 member communities, Maricopa and Pinal counties, and more than 200 private investors to accomplish its mission and serve as a strategic partner to companies across the world as they expand or relocate to Greater Phoenix. Over the past 34 years, GPEC has fueled the regional economy by helping over 980 companies, creating nearly 182,000 jobs and more than $65 billion in capital investment. Greater Phoenix is in a relentless pursuit of innovative and entrepreneurial-focused companies looking to thrive and scale in a vibrant, dynamic region. There is an undeniable spirit about Greater Phoenix; one rooted in strength, collaboration and resilience. Greater Phoenix is Greater Together. For more information about GPEC and how we can assist your businesses, visit www.gpec.org.