Lufkin City Council Approves Lease at Angelina County Airport

Lufkin City Council has given Lufkin Economic Development the green light to a lease agreement with HCH Aviation for a new hangar at Angelina County Airport. This decision represents the advancement of regional aviation services and educational opportunities in the area.

HCH Aviation encompasses Hutch Aviation, a joint venture with Conklin Aircraft Parts and Conklin Aircraft Service. Hutch Aviation plans to centralize and expand its parts manufacturing and service operations at the new airport location.

HCH will also create a new aviation repair curriculum in conjunction with Angelina College. Additionally, HCH operates a flight school in partnership with Stephen F. Austin State University. Currently serving 80 students, the flight school aims to broaden its educational and operational scope at the new facility.

Earlier this year, the council approved a $750,000 budget for the construction of the Economic Development Corporation’s hangar. Angelina County commissioners moved the project forward upon approving the Lufkin Economic Development Corporation 50-year ground lease.

Although the Lufkin Economic Development Corporation had not initially planned to lease the hangar, discussions with HCH Aviation led to a mutually beneficial agreement, according to Economic Development Director Bob Samford.

“The lease with HCH boosts our aviation capabilities as we continue to diversify our area’s industries,” Samford said. “It’s a major win for our economy and the aviation sector.”