BEDFORD – Bun Air Avionics, a new subsidiary of Bun Air Corp., has been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration to deliver a wide variety of aircraft equipment installation, testing and repair services under Part 145 of the FAA certification process.

Services will focus on installation and testing of avionics, which include the communication, navigation, autopilot and display equipment used to fly an airplane.

The announcement is likely to serve as a major boost to Bedford County’s economic base. The new avionics services will act as a major draw for aircraft owners throughout Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic region, according to a Bedford County Development Association press release.

“The avionics certificate allows Bun Air to expand our services from primarily airframe and engine services to include the installation and testing of communication, navigation and flight management systems in airplanes and helicopters. This will bring more aircraft to the airport,” said Jennifer DeLong, Bun Air co-owner in a statement.

“More aircraft coming to Bedford County Airport translates to an increase in our current maintenance services, which means more parts will be sold, as well as additional fuel sales,” DeLong said. “All of these services will make the airport a more convenient and desirable place to bring our base a private or corporate aircraft.”

The new avionics certification is certain to boost Bun Air and Bedford County Airport’s contribution to economic development, said Bo Pratt, chairman of the Bedford County Development Association’s board of directors.

“It’s great to see that additions to the airport are continuing. Our airport is a critically important resource for the entire community.

“With this new ability to work on aircraft – including helicopters – the menu of services offered is greatly expanded. Charter flights and fuel sales are still available, but the avionics designation is going to be key to the growth of Bedford County Airport,” Pratt said in a statement.

Bun Air currently employs 18 people, operates six corporate aircraft and has been flying for more than 50 years.