OREANDA-NEWS. Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. (NYSE:JEC) announced today the expansion of its Aviation practice in response to continued growth in this market. The expansion includes the appointment of a Global Aviation Business Leader, along with several additional key hires.

Jacobs President Buildings and Infrastructure Bob Pragada said recent research confirms the aviation industry continues to offer solid business development opportunities, despite the prevailing challenges of global competition and price volatility. The research includes the Airports Council International’s (ACI) World Report from May 2016 and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Airline Industry Economic Performance from December 2015.

“In addition to the research, several of our clients are seeing steady growth in passenger and cargo revenues, and globally we’re continuing to see improvements in profitability as a result of the steep reduction in fuel prices and growing market demand,” he said.

“Further, several analysts are predicting air travel and aircraft demand will more than double in the next 20 years. By expanding our global aviation practice, we’re ready to help our aviation clients meet the ongoing industry challenges to realize this potential growth.”

Key appointments in recent months have significantly enhanced Jacobs’ Aviation industry credentials. The appointments include Steven B. Morris, global aviation business leader; David Tomber, aviation principal, Americas; Stephen M. Pelham, aviation principal, Americas; and James Chilton, executive program director, aviation UK.

“These key hires strengthen our capabilities in a variety of areas critical for today’s leading aviation companies, including public-private-partnerships and other funding alternatives for owners, as well as strategic delivery options and construction management expertise,” said Pragada. “Combined with our existing resources and the global reach of the Jacobs network, we’re very excited about the prospects for our Global Aviation Practice.”

Jacobs currently provides professional services to the aviation markets in North America, Australia, Asia, Europe, UK and South America. Services range from strategic planning and financial consulting to planning, asset management, design, program management and construction management. Jacobs has more than 1,100 aviation professionals worldwide, with $260 million in aviation market revenue. The company is ranked number two in Engineering News Record’s 2015 Top 25 Designers in Airports list.