Heard on the Beat

Jet Plant Taking Off: Long Beach-based Advanced Aerodynamics & Structures Inc., also known as AASI Aircraft, has begun construction on a $7.5-million plant, where the company plans to assemble its Jetcruzer-500 business jet.

The company, which raised $32 million in an initial public stock offering 18 months ago, has orders worth about $152 million for 127 of its single-engine planes, according to Gene Comfort, AASI executive vice president.

AASI is building its facility on a 10-acre site at the corner of Lakewood Boulevard and Spring Street in Long Beach. It includes more than 200,000 square feet of production and assembly space, along with about 20,000 to 25,000 square feet of office space.

Once completed in late September or early October, AASI plans to immediately ramp up production of its jet--with peak assembly capacity set at between 100 and 120 planes per year. In addition, AASI said it will increase its payroll to more than 300 employees, up from more than 100.