SkySong welcomes two important landings

With the touchdown of an Australian GA8-TC Airvan at Scottsdale Municipal Airport and the unlocking of an office door at SkySong, the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center, two important landings have occurred in the Valley.

ASU SkySong and Mahindra Engineering Services (MES) announced the opening of a new office for MES, a subsidiary of India-based multinational corporation Mahindra. In addition, the Millions Against Malaria flight made a brief stop on its way to circumnavigating the globe to celebrate 100 years of Australian aviation and raise $1 million for malaria awareness.

The plane is made by GippsAero, one of Australia’s most reputed aircraft producers that was recently acquired by Mahindra Aerospace – the aero components, aero structures and aircraft manufacturing arm of Mahindra. It is attempting to become the first Australian designed and manufactured aircraft to travel around the world.

MES and ASU SkySong welcomed pilots Ken Evers and Tim Pryse at a special reception at SkySong, celebrating both MES’ new Scottsdale office – its first U.S. aerospace location – and the Millions Against Malaria flight.

“Since our departure from Bendigo, we have had quite an exciting journey in the Airvan which has admirably proved itself as far as endurance and precision is concerned,” Evers said. “Both Tim and I are thrilled to make a stop in the Valley of the Sun, which is known for its rich aviation heritage. We would like to thank Mahindra for their generous support of our effort and thank both Mahindra Engineering Services and ASU SkySong for welcoming us to Arizona and making this a memorable part of our journey.”

“I am delighted to welcome Ken and Tim to Scottsdale as they make their historic trip around the globe, and I commend Mahindra for their dedication to corporate social responsibility” said Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane. “I am also especially pleased that Mahindra Engineering Services has chosen to land here in Scottsdale at SkySong and become an important new member of our business community.”

ASU SkySong has partnered with MES to develop its entry into the U.S. market by leveraging Arizona’s positive business climate for fast-growing companies, the vibrant ecosystem of SkySong and the resources of ASU. SkySong will help provide MES access to the rich networks of Arizona-based aerospace research, business and technology groups, aerospace faculty, economic development organizations and government agencies to quickly establish a presence in the U.S. aerospace market.

“SkySong continues to attract innovative and impressive global companies and we have been pleased to create a ‘soft landing place’ for Mahindra Engineering Services here in Arizona,” said Julia Rosen, ASU’s associate vice president of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “We look forward to helping them connect with the many resources of ASU and advance their ambitious plans for growth in the U.S. aerospace market.”

Mahindra Engineering Services’ decision to locate its first U.S. aerospace office at SkySong shows the strength of the state’s growing aerospace industry, according to Barry Broome, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. MES is a leading engineering services provider to the global automotive, aerospace and manufacturing industry with offices in India, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and – now – Scottsdale.

“MES will fit in well with Arizona’s other innovative, dynamic companies,” Broome said. “Greater Phoenix’s focus on research, its talented workforce, and existing aerospace companies makes the region the right market for MES to launch its plans for growth.”

“Mahindra Engineering Services is honored to become a part of the business community of Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area and we look forward to connecting effectively with the research and business development resources of ASU,” said MES CEO Prashant Kamat. “Phoenix is known the world over for its skilled talent and world-class facilities in the field of aviation and aerospace and I cannot think of a more appropriate destination for Ken and Tim to land the Airvan as they fly around the globe.”