Aviation Careers Information Fair Set For Dec. 29 at HAECO Invitational; Event Introduces High School Athletes to Potential Aviation Careers

GREENSBORO, N.C. – The 40th anniversary HAECO Invitational presented by NewBridge Bank will host its third annual Aviation Careers Information Fair on site during the final day of the tournament on Tuesday, Dec. 29, the tournament announced today. The annual high school basketball tournament, with a mission to raise money for charity and its participating schools, is also helping players, their families and interested spectators explore a career in aviation through this event. The 40th anniversary HAECO Invitational is set for Dec. 26, 28 and 29 at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center.

Since its inception in 1976, the HAECO Invitational’s primary mission has been school fundraising, but in 2013 the tournament added a new goal advocated by its title sponsor, HAECO Americas (“HAECO”), an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul company headquartered at Piedmont Triad International Airport. When the sponsorship was announced, HAECO chief executive officer Kevin Carter said that one of the company’s goals was to introduce local high school students and their parents to aviation as a potential career; the tournament’s Aviation Careers Information Fair was subsequently created.

This year’s Aviation Careers Information Fair will focus on informing tournament participants and their families about the many aviation-related careers available in the Piedmont Triad. The tournament’s participating schools have been encouraged to bring their teams through the information fair so the student-athletes can meet representatives from multiple local companies and institutions that are perfectly positioned to nurture a student’s aviation interest and potentially turn it into a career.

“For the fourth year, HAECO Americas is proud to sponsor the Invitational, with its important goal of fundraising for schools and charities. As an assist for high school students who want to get a jump on a secure future, HAECO’s participation in the Aviation Careers Information Fair helps them learn about careers in aviation, particularly in aircraft maintenance and aerospace manufacturing.” Carter added, “Aerospace and aviation are major growth industries in in the Triad and we’re already planning to add new skilled employees to the HAECO team in a variety of positions. We look forward to meeting with participants, their parents and attendees at the Invitational and hope we can explore a winning future together.”

The Aviation Careers Information Fair will be located in the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center lobby from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29. Those participating are HAECO Americas, HondaJet, GTCC, Purolator, Machine Specialty, Inc., the Andrews Aviation Academy and the Phoenix Aviation Academy. Each organization will host an exhibit at the tournament where information will be provided and personnel will be available to answer questions and provide details about their programs.

For more than two decades, HAECO Americas has provided aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, engineering services and manufactured interiors products to customers throughout the aerospace industry. A part of the HAECO Group, the company is recognized as one of the largest independent providers of airframe MRO services around the globe. Over the years, HAECO has grown beyond its core airframe, base maintenance business by adding engine MRO services, aircraft seat manufacturing and PMA parts, comprehensive engineering design and interiors manufacturing through its HAECO Cabin Solutions division and line maintenance services at a large number of airports across the U.S. More information about HAECO can be found at www.haeco.aero.

The HAECO Invitational presented by NewBridge Bank is an annual high school basketball tournament in Greensboro, N.C. Founded in 1976 as the Little 4 Invitational, the tournament features men’s and women’s teams representing eight Guilford County high schools playing at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex. Tournament proceeds are donated to local charities and the participating schools; the HAECO Invitational is planned and implemented by the Greensboro Sports Council. For more information, please visit www.HAECOInvitational.com and follow the event on Twitter: @HAECOinvit.