Helicopter Association International (HAI) has moved into a new building that will accommodate its needs for the next 20 years. HAI President Matt Zuccaro and Alexandria, Va., Mayor William Euille presided over a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception on June 24.
HAI has been looking for a new facility to expand for a number of years, said spokesman Chris Dancy. “The association had been in its previous building for approximately 20 years and had filled that space to capacity,” he said. “With the continued strength of the helicopter industry and the need for the association to work on behalf its growing industry, our executives and board thought now was the time to look for a building that could accommodate our needs for the next 20 years.”
It took HAI about four years to find the building and another year to complete the purchase and build out the office space. “The building we purchased was an existing one in Alexandria two few blocks where we were, but had sat empty for a few years waiting for a purchaser,” said Dancy.
The new building is four stories, and HAI occupies the top two floors, said Dancy. “We are actively searching for tenants for the two bottom floors. But the space gives us the capacity to expand as demand necessitates,” he said.
HAI’s new facility now has multipurpose classroom where members can hold training sessions, said Dancy. “We also have conference rooms available for members needing to conduct business in Washington, D.C.,” he said. “It also allows us to do safety and other training. We’ve already held meetings for our new safety accreditation program.”
