Category: Aviation & Aerospace

Should You Consider a Specialist for Your Construction Audit?

Posted on October 27, 2021

By Vinson Chapman, Vice President, Construction Audit & Advisory Services

Auditing construction contracts can be complex. The expertise involved is significantly different than typical audits performed by CPAs and involves evaluating subjective estimates, identifying ambiguous terms of the contract, and noting contractual incentives where the owner’s and the general contractor’s interests may not be aligned. A construction audit also requires obtaining and evaluating all the appropriate evidence to support the audit findings. This is not legal work or work performed by an architect.

A detailed analytical review of completed contracts and contracts in progress will provide meaningful information and focus on potential problem areas. Our Construction Audit & Advisory Services combine the skills of owner’s advocate, owner’s representative, program manager, and construction auditor.

Case Study Example

In the case of one independent K-12 school district in northeast Texas, the review of an extension of time by the general contractor/CM and a general financial audit required the expertise of HPM’s hybrid Contract Services, which included both project management and audit expertise.

When the GC/CM fell behind on schedule, their default was to request additional time through weather delays in order to avoid liquidated damages and redirect attention to the reality of the problem areas.

The project management audit review of the contract language and the potential weather impact on the critical path of the schedule resulted in the following:

The contractor did not provide the required documentation during construction for their intent to make a claim for more time per the contract.
The contractor did not provide evidence that there were abnormal (greater than average rain days) periods of weather. This data is measurable and a typical required deliverable in a change order request by the GC/CM.
The contractor’s critical path schedule was not affected by any claimed abnormal weather after review of the installation of work.

Project management issues were the reason behind a significant portion of the Contract Services Audit resulting in a credit back to the school district from the General Contractor/CM. Additional monies were recovered from the financial audit resulting in a total of over 5% of the construction contract value being returned to the district.

This example is somewhat typical of our standard audit findings of between 1% and 5% of the contract value. Obviously, savings of this type are well in excess of the fee to perform these hybrid services. The expertise for these services was not available from the district’s attorney or architect, and without the added HPM support, the district couldn’t defend the GC/CM’s requests. Our specialized knowledge and experience made it possible.

HPM provides peace of mind and confidence you paid the right price for your construction spend.

HPM’s audit service professionals offer expertise to secure fair negotiation and billing for client contracts. We perform comprehensive reviews of job costs that often lead to a substantial net savings of project costs. As always, if we can be of service, please do not hesitate to reach out. Click the button below to be directed to our page.

Construction Audit & Advisory Services

HPM Talks Webinar: Emerging Leaders

Posted on July 20, 2021

HPM’s Emerging Leaders Program offers undergraduate students a unique perspective of the planning, design, and construction process through hands-on experience at our projects across the country. Medora Gaddes oversees the program and, as a former HPM co-op herself, recognizes the immense value of experiential learning. During this HPM Talks webinar, Gaddes and co-ops Iriana Molusky and Ben Smith discuss their experience in the program and what they’ve learned along the way.

Webinar Details:

July 29, 2021 at 11AM CST

View the Recording

MEET THE HOST

Medora Gaddes, Assistant Project Manager and Talent Development Coordinator at HPM
Medora is not only an Assistant Project Manager at HPM, but also our Talent Development Coordinator and heads up the Emerging Leaders Program. She herself was a co-op with HPM before becoming a full-time employee. After graduating from Auburn University with a degree in civil engineering, she joined HPM as a project engineer and as a full-time HPM team member in the Huntsville office.

Learn More About Our Emerging Leaders Program

Q&A from Webinar

We heard about precon and program management. What is field coordination like as a co-op?

Ben Smith: During the field rotation as a co-op, a day usually consists of walking with the Field Coordinator (FC) as he makes his rounds around the job site to track the progress of construction and look for items that might need to be addressed with the owner/general contractor. For me, this was a time to pick the brain of the FC and ask as many questions as possible about what is happening on the job site and why/how they are doing it. You can be given miscellaneous tasks that help the FC with his job. For instance, one of the tasks I was given was keeping track of the progression of concrete pours and ceiling paint in a large warehouse. The FC used this information to update the weekly report that was sent to the owner. Other things I experienced were on-site meetings with the general contractor and the owner, taking meeting minutes to send to the HPM team on your specific project, site walks with the general contractor and owner about issues that need resolving, and much more. The field rotation is a good way to get a feel for what a construction site looks like and how things are run during construction both from the Construction Management side and the General Contractor side of things.

2. My major is Architectural Engineering. I have learned that very few companies are hiring ArchEs or understand what ArchE is. Does HPM recruit ArchE’s and how are they used?

Medora Gaddes: HPM is less focused on your specific major and more focused on what you are interested in doing upon graduation. Obviously your major plays a role in that, but I’ll give you an example. I have a bachelor’s in civil engineering and if I wanted to do structural design as a career path, HPM would likely not be the best fit for my interests because HPM does not have engineers designing and stamping drawings. HPM has been a good fit for me since I was interested in the management of design and construction upon graduation. My civil engineering degree has supported my ability to manage, understand, and communicate the civil aspects of design and construction. So ask yourself if you want to work for a company that will utilize the technical skills of architectural engineering and likely the skills you’ve learned in school? Or do you see your architectural engineering degree as a foundation or launching pad into a different career path? I think every engineer can ask themselves this question and it will help you be intentional with your job search. Does HPM hire architectural engineers who are going to use their technical engineering skills? Not at this time. Does HPM hire architectural engineers interested in the management of design and construction? Absolutely!

Co-Ops Learn to Lead Through Summer Seminar

Posted on July 7, 2021

HPM’s Emerging Leaders program provides undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to explore a career in program management while gaining real world experience. As they work alongside industry experts, these students discover the business fundamentals needed to accelerate their careers. Last week, our co-ops gathered at our Birmingham office for the Emerging Leaders Summer Seminar, a two-day learning-to-lead workshop.

Assistant Project Manager Medora Gaddes oversees HPM’s talent recruiting process and the Emerging Leaders program. As a former co-op herself, Gaddes recognized that student employees are not only interested in their role or assignment, but in the company’s leadership and goals, as well.

“When you go to work anywhere, there is always a learning curve of figuring out what a company does, who runs the company and how they run it, and figuring out how that aligns with you as an individual,” she said. “I want our Emerging Leaders to get ahead of this while they are still in school and completing their internship or co-op rotation with us. This is important as they navigate the big questions of what do I want to do and what type of company do I want to work for when I graduate.”

During the Summer Seminar, attendees gained invaluable insight from members of our leadership team and sharpened their own leadership skills through team activities and goal planning.

“I had a lot of takeaways from the Summer Seminar, but my biggest take away was the art of leadership,” said Ben Smith, an HPM co-op from the University of Alabama. “We were not only taught what it means to be a leader, but how we can be leaders in the workplace and in our everyday lives. This seminar taught us a lot about ourselves and how we can utilize our skills and personalities to lead in a way that puts our team and others ahead of ourselves.”

HPM has offices and projects across the country, so the seminar also provides the co-ops with an opportunity to network with students who might not be assigned to a project in their area.

“I would encourage all co-op students to attend the summer seminar as it is a professional development opportunity that is relevant to our co-op and our academic success,” said UA student Iriana Molusky. “Spending time with other co-ops was a one-time opportunity to meet and learn from each other.”

Gaddes hopes seminar attendees will continue to build on what they learned and use their new leadership skills no matter what career path they choose.

“I think we all can look back on our early leadership growth and identify both people that invested in us and skills that we wish we had developed earlier,” Gaddes said. “I hope that through the seminar, the Emerging Leaders start connecting with like-minded individuals, build relationships with leaders in the industry, and sharpen leadership skills that will kickstart their personal growth.”

Interested in HPM’s co-op and internship program? Learn more on our Emerging Leaders page.

HPM Emerging Leaders

HPM Attends Aviation Industry’s MRO Americas

Posted on April 19, 2021

Beginning April 27, HPM’s Vice President of Business Development Jay Daily, Vice President of Marketing Andi Sims, and Senior Program Manager Alan Butler will attend the 2021 MRO Americas Trade Show in Orlando, Florida.

MRO Americas is presented annually by the publishing and event production company Aviation Week Network. It brings together airlines, OEMs, MRO service providers, leasing companies, aviation authorities, and regulators for three days of connecting with industry thought leaders. Important topics on the agenda this year include the continued path to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and what lies ahead for the MRO and airline industry.

“MRO Americas has been an important tradeshow for HPM. We look forward to seeing current clients and making new connections within the aviation community,” Daily said. “As a leader in the planning, design, and construction of facilities, HPM is unique in that we sit on the owner’s side and facilitate informed decision making. We touch every sector of the industry.”

HPM, which oversaw the successful design and construction of the first Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility, stands perfectly poised to assist aerospace companies looking to establish or expand a presence in the U.S. As a nationally ranked program management firm, we help our clients complete their projects faster and for a lower price. Plus, with a portfolio of experience rooted in the public sector, HPM serves as an ideal partner for state and local government recruiting business and industry to their areas.

To meet with an HPM representative at MRO Americas, call or email Jay, Andi, or Alan. We look forward to seeing you there!

Jay Daily
VP Business Development
205.937.6433
jdaily@hpmleadership.com

Andi Sims
VP Marketing
205.213.7955
asims@hpmleadership.com

Alan Butler
Senior Program Manager
205.281.6748
abutler@hpmleadership.com

HPM’s Aviation & Aerospace Portfolio

Choosing the Right Program Manager for Your Aviation Project

Posted on April 14, 2021

The right program manager offers many benefits to aerospace companies and projects, including clear timelines, streamlined communication, and, perhaps best of all, peace of mind. With the right program manager in place, you can focus on and achieve overall project success and maintain a strategic approach for your investment without having to dig into the details.

But how do you choose the right program manager for your project? To help you navigate through the noise, here are the top six questions to ask when hiring a firm so you can find that right fit.

Do you understand U.S. and local building codes and regulations for permitting?
Why it’s important: National and local codes and regulations are complex. While they are designed to specify minimum requirements related to health, safety, and the welfare of building occupants, they can be challenging to comprehend fully. An experienced program manager will help you navigate these requirements through careful planning, ultimately allowing you to avoid common pitfalls.

Do you have a thorough understanding of the factors that will drive the budget, such as labor and materials?

Why it’s important: U.S. labor forces remain stretched, forcing the cost of labor to increase. The same is true with materials pricing, as across the board we are seeing a rise in the cost of materials (e.g., steel). An established program manager should know the market trends and local workforce, thereby helping you mitigate the impacts to your budget and realize success.

Do you keep up with U.S. construction industry trends and understand innovations and newly available solutions?

Why it’s important: As we see material and labor costs rising, innovative solutions like AI/machine learning or virtual reality/augmentation can offset the strain on workforce and budget. The best program managers will know that keeping up with emerging trends and tools is important to maximizing your ROI.

Do you have an advocate that can be your boots-on-the-ground resource?

Why it’s important: There is great value in engaging an experienced partner with trained eyes and ears who understands the local design and construction community as well as the aerospace industry. A program manager who already has established relationships can more easily act as a facilitator throughout the project, providing you with the confidence you need to ensure you are safeguarding your investment. By hiring the right program manager, you can maximize your attention to other endeavors and responsibilities and remove any barriers that may come between you and success.

Do you understand the various delivery models?

Why it’s important: An effective program manager will help you consider your options (CM-at-Risk, Design-Build, Integrated Project Delivery, etc.). Choosing the option that is best suited for how you do business is paramount to managing risk and creating a cohesive team approach. Plus, understanding the terms and conditions of your contracts helps ensure the project is delivered without an interruption in expectations.

Do you have the capacity for this project?

Why it’s important: You need to know if the PM team has time to take on a capital project and manage the day-to-day details. This direct question gives firms an opportunity to recognize their potential distractions and request help in adopting a speed-to-market mentality. Through clear communication from the beginning, you can find a program manager who will study the way you work, help you manage decision-making through the chain of command, and put pressure at given points so you can meet your goals and mitigate your risk in the process.

HPM is a nationally ranked program management firm with a track record of success providing value to giants in the aviation industry. Over and over again, we help our clients complete their projects faster and for a lower price.

Learn More About HPM’s Aviation Projects

IAWA Unveils “Soaring Through the Glass Ceiling” Report

Posted on April 7, 2020

The International Aviation Women’s Association Commissions Korn Ferry Study to Focus on Gender Parity

Given the current health crisis environment, the aviation and aerospace industry again finds itself evolving. This evolution requires diverse perspectives and innovative thinking to not only maintain sustainability but to incite future growth.

The International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA) has always been the industry’s voice for gender diversity and inclusivity and for advocating for women in leadership. Working in tandem with Korn Ferry, IAWA recently released “Soaring Through the Glass Ceiling,” a revolutionary study which validates the data behind the need for and value of integrating women into leadership in the aviation and aerospace industry.

As a firm which manages the planning, design and construction of facilities in aviation and aerospace, HPM recognized several years ago the need to have representation in an organization comprised of several of its clients. Yet, exposure to the industry and thought leadership amidst gentle disruption have been unexpected by-products of HPM’s participation in IAWA.

“As a woman, I find myself in a male-dominated industry (Architecture/Engineering/Construction) which serves typically male-dominated industries,” says Andi Sims, HPM’s Vice President of Marketing and an IAWA board member. “I got involved in IAWA in order to keep a pulse on our aviation and aerospace clients, but what I’ve realized is that I can be an agent of change which improves the lives and careers of other women in the industry for which I work and in the industries I serve. The ‘Soaring Through the Glass Ceiling’ study gives me that backing in these data-driven environments.”

IAWA’s “Soaring Through the Glass Ceiling” report tells a story of industry progress while providing insight into how and why diversity and inclusivity will create success for the next generation of industry leaders.

The report identifies five key drivers that successful organizations consistently utilize to facilitate gender diversity and inclusivity:

Public recognition and highlighting of female role models.
Ensuring and communicating unquestionable senior leadership commitment to D&I.
Level-setting expectations with individual contributors and management since individuals at lower levels are witnessing less progress on D&I than are their leaders.
Ensuring that more women have a seat at the table.
Investing in more inclusive talent management and succession processes.

Along with Korn Ferry, IAWA partnered with five other industry associations—the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), Airlines for America (A4A), the Airports Council International (ACI), the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization (CANSO), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The study spans 2018-2019 and gathers responses from more than 2,400 individuals within four sectors of the aviation and aerospace industries: women, business leaders, human resource leaders, and educators. The goal was to identify the key inhibitors and enablers for the advancement of women in aviation and aerospace, exploring the root causes behind the relative lack of progress for women’s advancement into leadership positions. The study also looks to the future – proposing next steps, offering solutions to overcome inhibitors, and recommending the practices, policies, and behaviors that will effect change.

“Much has been written about how the aviation and aerospace sector is behind, relative to the advancement of women into leadership roles,” says Alina Nassar, Immediate Past President of IAWA, “yet relatively little has been written on what can, and should, be done to address it. That is the real reason why we set out to conduct a study that would focus on potential solutions.”

Read the full “Soaring Through the Glass Ceiling” report here

About IAWA: The International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA) is an international organization for women who hold positions of impact in the aviation and aerospace industry. Founded in 1988, IAWA brings together women of achievement and promotes their advancement throughout the world. The organization’s mission is to cultivate and advance women leaders in the aviation and aerospace industries through a global network. Learn more about IAWA.

Supersonic Flight Moves Closer to Reality with Boom’s Overture

Posted on February 28, 2020

Supersonic flight has existed for over half of a century, but the technology was lacking and inefficiencies kept it from the mainstream. Finally, the Colorado-based company, Boom Supersonic, began its quest for a solution, combining proven materials and technologies into a revolutionary airplane. Called Overture, this breakthrough airplane design makes supersonic flight an accessible and affordable possibility for hundreds of transoceanic routes, perhaps even establishing itself as the new norm for business class travel.

With the exciting announcement that Boom would build its first U.S. manufacturing facility, the firm also announced its decision to select HPM as the owner’s representative and program manager, assisting them with site selection as the next step.

“It will be their home for the manufacturing and assembly, testing, and then ultimately the customer delivery for the Overture,” says Mike Lanier, President of HPM, as he spoke to hosts Max Flight and Max Trescott on the Airplane Geeks Podcast. “We’re in the very early stages…looking for the appropriate sites and what the possibilities might be.”

Locating an appropriate site for Boom’s innovative Overture has been no small task, as each potential site must meet a rare combination of specific requirements.

“There are three primary criteria every site had to meet before they made our list,” explains Lanier. The first criterium, and perhaps easiest to find, is that the location must have 175 acres of developable land, allowing room for what will be about one million square feet of facility space. The second criterium is a minimum runway length of 10,500 feet. Finally, the third criterium is that the site be located within 150 miles of a supersonic test corridor, which would be over international waters or the Mojave Desert.

“They [Boom] also want to make sure there’s a culture fit,” adds Lanier. “It’s been a real challenge. It really has.”

HPM started the site selection process by making anonymous, preliminary calls to ensure that searchable databases had accurate land information. After careful research and investigation, HPM effectively narrowed down the possibilities from 2,000 sites to 15. Working closely with Boom, HPM will continue to narrow the options down to five shortlisted sites.

After this shortlist phase, the project will move closer to design, with the possibility of selecting a design partner as early as 2021. HPM will help the design partner understand the unique industrial process behind the Overture, especially when compared to the standard assembly line for a Boeing or Airbus. The firm will also advise on appropriate building sizes so that the buildings can accommodate the planes and work with the surrounding environment. According to Lanier, it will take 2-3 years to complete the design process with a goal of launching the first supersonic flight in the mid-2020s.

“We’re the owner’s oversight,” says Lanier. “We work with [Boom’s] supply team and procurement team to engage architects, engage contractors, and be the agent that oversees so Boom can stay focused on airplanes.”

The end result is exciting: the fastest-ever commercial airliner, at Mach 2.2 speed, and history’s most efficient supersonic jet.

Every seat on the Overture will be both an aisle and a window seat, with each seat given access to large, personal windows. Ticket prices will be competitive, meeting the same price point as today’s long-haul business class. Both Virgin Group and Japan Airlines have already placed pre-orders.

“Everybody’s excited about it,” says Lanier. “What’s not to be excited about?”

About Boom

Boom Supersonic, based in Denver, Colorado, is known for building the history’s fastest supersonic airliner. In March 2019, they announced that HPM, with its expertise in managing capital building programs, has been selected to lead its one-of-a-kind program to help locate, plan, design, and build its first manufacturing facility in the United States.

About Airplane Geeks Podcast

The Airplane Geeks™ podcast is a weekly audio program that looks at the world of aviation. First published in 2008, the podcast aims to educate and inform you, explore and expand your passion for aviation, and entertain you a little along the way. They discuss commercial, military, and general aviation topics, usually with a prominent industry guest.

HPM’s Andi Sims Elected to Board of Directors for International Aviation Women’s Association

Posted on August 28, 2019

HPM is in the business of leading. Sometimes our very own business leaders are pursued in leadership roles not just within our company, but also locally in our communities. And as for HPM’s Andi Sims, given leadership opportunities with a global impact.

Andi Sims, HPM’s Vice President of Marketing, has been appointed to the International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA) Board of Directors as the organization’s Vice President of Membership.

A Homewood resident and Samford University graduate, Sims has nearly three decades of experience as a marketing and business development professional, and in her role at HPM has worked as a consultant for aviation clients such as Airbus, FedEx and Boom Supersonic.

Now, Sims is bringing her invaluable experience beyond Alabama and to IAWA, a global organization with a mission rooted in cultivating and advancing women leaders in the aviation and aerospace industry.

“As women continue achieving more visible roles, providing a platform to share views and connect with other leaders is incredibly important. I look forward to further elevating women in the industry and equipping them with the tools they need to develop their careers and become leaders.”
Andi Sims, HPM Vice President of Marketing

Founded in 1988, IAWA’s worldwide network is comprised of over 3,300 female executives representing nearly 300 major companies across 36 countries in fields such as commercial aviation, engineering, space and more. IAWA hosts informational meetings and global conferences and provides scholarships to the next generation of leaders.

“We’re honored and privileged to have Andi serve on the board of our organization,” said Alina Nassar, Partner at Nassar Abogados Centroamerica and IAWA Board President. “During her four-year involvement with IAWA, she’s demonstrated leadership, commitment, and the skills needed to perform extraordinarily on our board. But most importantly, she epitomizes the values of IAWA.”

Sims has previously served on IAWA’s communications committee and recently spearheaded a search committee for the organization’s new association management company. In her new role on the IAWA Board of Directors, Sims heads up the membership committee which reviews and approves applications for IAWA membership. In addition, she facilitates IAWA’s communications strategic task force.

“I am truly humbled and honored to be selected for the IAWA Board of Directors, which boasts among its membership some of the brightest minds in the aviation and aerospace industries,” said Sims.

A veteran of working with global companies, Sims plays a dual role in business development and marketing for HPM. She oversees efforts to enhance the company’s image among audiences and markets while ensuring that key client objectives for capital building programs and projects are achieved.

“Andi’s versatility and relationship-building skills have made her a valuable leader within HPM,” said Mike Lanier, founding President of HPM. “She has quickly gained the respect of her peers at IAWA, and this appointment reflects her ability to serve as a leader within the aviation industry as a whole. We look forward to supporting Andi as she drives IAWA’s initiatives forward in the years ahead.”

Key Trends to Watch in the Aviation Industry

Posted on August 23, 2019

Happy National Aviation Week! National Aviation Week (August 19-23) celebrates the legacy of aviation and is intended to increase awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of the industry. The week commemorates the birthday of Orville Wright – who, alongside his brother Wilbur Wright, is credited for producing the world’s first successful airplane.

Due to HPM’s experience with major players in the industry, the firm is on the forefront of innovation, and has outlined the following key trends to watch:

Investment in facilities: Over the last several decades, enplanement (the number of passengers flying) has doubled every ten years. As a result, the industry continues to see significant investment in airport facilities, with millions of dollars in upgrades being made to parking areas, amenities and more. Airports are seeking to centralize business, improve the experience and create mini cities so that frequent flyers have everything they need to work, shop, dine and live in one place.

Mobility & Technology: By 2030, 60% of the Earth’s population is projected to live in urban neighborhoods, causing increased congestion on roads and major thoroughfares. Because of this, airspace is the new frontier for travel. In the future, city commuters could have the option to board the CityAirbus to travel through urban airspace. Expect to see demand for UAVs rise as industries such as farming, construction, law enforcement and film continue to invest in drone technology and develop new uses for operations.

Efficiency: The A320 has emerged as the darling of the industry. As airlines brace for a period of global economic uncertainty, right-sizing aircrafts is a priority. And, as intra-regional routes are expected to grow, airlines are refreshing their aging fleets with more cost-efficient, fuel-efficient and smaller aircrafts. Lightweight carbon fiber and composite materials are becoming a preferred alternative to previously used metals such as steel and iron. Manufacturers are seeing cost-savings in maintenance and replacement costs of carbon fiber components. In addition, the introduction of battery technology will result in hybrid engines – exactly how it’s used in automobiles today – allowing for more sustainable, efficient and quieter air travel.

A tight labor market and ever-evolving technology means aviation capital projects are becoming significantly more complicated, leading to a full-scale sprint among competitors to quickly identify and secure outsourced talent. Significant cost-savings from reduced change orders and overruns are further fueling the program management boom as more aerospace companies recognize the value third-party providers deliver.

“Aviation projects are extremely complex, and HPM’s business model of providing onsite, day-to-day program management is well-suited to fit the industry’s needs,” continues Austin. “Right now, the sky’s the limit for HPM. We look forward to this next chapter of growth and innovation for our firm.”

To learn more about HPM’s aviation projects and service offerings, visit: hpmleadership.com/aviation.

HPM: Leaders in Aviation

Posted on August 22, 2019

Happy National Aviation Week! National Aviation Week (August 19-23) celebrates the legacy of aviation and is intended to increase awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of the industry. The week commemorates the birthday of Orville Wright – who, alongside his brother Wilbur Wright, is credited for producing the world’s first successful airplane.

In honor of National Aviation Week, we’re sharing about our relationship with the aviation industry.

In 2015, HPM prepared for the takeoff of Airbus’ A320 Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Mobile, Alabama. After delivering four months early and almost 7% below budget, HPM was recognized as a leader in aviation program management. Since then, the firm’s aerospace footprint has grown across the country.

Following the success of the A320 FAL, HPM was engaged as the program manager for the design and construction of Airbus’ new A220 assembly line in Mobile. The A220 for Airbus is a nod to the industry’s pivot toward smaller, more efficient jetliners that address consumer demand for larger seats and ample leg room.

In addition, HPM is leading site selection, planning, design and construction of Boom Supersonic’s first U.S. manufacturing facility for Overture, a Mach-2.2 supersonic commercial airliner that will serve hundreds of transoceanic routes.

This summer, HPM celebrated the opening of Aerojet Rocketdyne’s 136,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama, with the firm providing preconstruction services and program management. The new facility serves as a key production hub for advanced propulsion products for major U.S. defense and space programs and is expected to create more than 300 jobs.

“The pace of innovation is fueling a flurry of investment in the aviation sector. We’re especially watching tier-1 suppliers, and are interested to see how they’ll adapt to the industry’s rapid growth,” says Ryan Austin, Chief Operating Officer at HPM.

“Ultimately, nothing flies until a facility is built, and HPM has the unique ability to efficiently deliver projects. Our capabilities ensure aviation clients can achieve the speed-to-market needed to stay ahead in the industry.”
Ryan Austin, HPM Chief Operating Officer