Skanska has officially opened the new Butler Tech Aviation Center at Middletown Regional Airport, marking a major step forward in aviation workforce development in Southwest Ohio.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the completion of the 28,000-square-foot aviation training facility, designed to provide hands-on technical education and prepare students for careers in the aviation industry.
A Modern Hub for Aviation Training
The $15 million Aviation Center serves as a dedicated training hub for students enrolled in aviation programs at Butler Tech. The new facility significantly expands the institution’s training capacity, increasing enrollment from about 50 students to more than 150 annually.
This expansion addresses growing workforce demands in the region, where projections indicate the need for more than 1,300 aviation maintenance technicians and thousands of additional aviation professionals by 2030.
According to project leaders, the center represents a collaborative effort between education institutions, government partners, and industry stakeholders to strengthen the aviation talent pipeline.
Construction and Design
Skanska served as the construction manager for the project, while emersion DESIGN acted as the architect.
The facility includes:
- 28,000 square feet of total educational space
- 8,500 square feet of dedicated hangar space
- Modern classrooms, laboratories, and administrative offices
- Specialized equipment and instructional areas for aviation training
The design supports a practical learning environment where students can train directly on aviation systems and equipment.
Aviation Career Pathway for Students
Students at Butler Tech begin their three-year aviation career pathway in the 10th grade, combining academic instruction with real-world technical training.
The program includes exposure to:
- Aircraft maintenance training
- Aerospace engineering concepts
- Private pilot fundamentals
- Unmanned aircraft systems (drones)
- Hands-on work in aviation laboratories and hangar facilities
The instructional layout of the hangar allows students to experience training in a real aviation operational environment.
Strategic Location for Industry Exposure
The Butler Tech Aviation Center is strategically located between Cincinnati and Dayton, and near Wright‑Patterson Air Force Base—one of the country’s major aerospace and defense hubs.
This location allows students to gain direct exposure to aviation operations, mentorship opportunities, and industry partnerships.
Project Investment and Funding
The $15 million project was funded through a collaborative public investment that included:
- $7 million from Butler Tech
- $7 million from the Butler County Commissioners
- $1 million from JobsOhio
- $500,000 from the City of Middletown
Supporting the Future Aviation Workforce
Officials say the new center will play a critical role in strengthening the regional aviation workforce pipeline, providing students with the skills and certifications needed for high-demand technical careers.
By integrating modern infrastructure, industry partnerships, and hands-on education, the project aims to support both local economic growth and the broader aviation sector in the coming years.
