Reports: MD to Stay Put in Mesa

MD Helicopters has reached a deal with Mesa, Ariz. that will keep the manufacturer at the city-owned Falcon Field Airport, according to published reports. The Arizona Republic quoted MD's corporate counsel, Randy Walti, as saying the agreement "makes the option to stay here with a significant presence more viable." The pact is expected to be announced today. MD threatened to move after the city raised its rent on the Falcon Field site. MD owner Lynn Tilton said she was looking for a larger site that could accommodate MD, the Heritage Aviation completions shop she owns and a very light jet manufacturer she said she planned to buy. MD has been negotiating with airports in Arizona, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. Any move would have run the risk of disrupting production or increasing manufacturing costs until a move was complete. For related news