Business View Magazine | October 2020

176 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2020 shovel-ready land for both aeronautical and non-aeronautical development. The objective of the Aerotropolis is to attract international corporations, logistics companies, and others that would benefit from its strategic location, minutes from the U.S./Mexico border. Once completed, the Harlingen Aerotropolis will consist of several development districts that are intended to be compatible with one another. “We continue to try and find our cornerstone business for the Aerotropolis,” Esterly relates. “Of course, that’s going to be difficult during this pandemic, but we continue to market that, working with our partner, the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation, to get the word out to find that perfect business for that area. It’s exciting to have that extra property in order to diversify revenue streams in the future.” Through it all, Esterly remains upbeat and focused. “We were doing 90 miles an hour in the fast lane and the next thing you know, we’re nearly sitting still,” he opines. “That was really difficult for us, at first. But you’ve got to think about how you’re going to protect the passengers, how you’re going to get word out about all the things you’re doing to protect passengers and employees, and to try to get this thing moving again. At the same time, you’re looking for opportunities to get things done and improve your facility. You’re always looking for those windows for opportunity that you can crawl through to make the place better.” PREFERRED VENDORS n JBT AeroTech Corporation www.jbtc.com/aerotech | John.Thompson@JBTC.COM FOR THE PERFECT AIRCRAFT TURN. JBT® is a global leader in the design and manufacture of ground support equipment, such as loaders and deicers; and airport gate equipment, featuring Jetway® passenger boarding bridges, JetAire® preconditioned air units, and JetPower® 400Hz ground power units. JBT also supplies airport asset management, consulting, parts, and maintenance services. n RS&H, Inc. www.rsandh.com RS&H provides fully integrated architecture, engineering, environmental and planning services to help clients realize their most complex facility and infrastructure projects for land and air. RS&H has helped our clients create global airports that connect communities, shape progressive highway systems across the country, and provide facilities for Fortune 1000 companies. n Marine Military Academy www.mma-tx.org