DETROIT – When students enrolled in the Davis Aerospace Technical High School program return to the Coleman A. Young International Airport next fall, they’ll be in in classes and training in a modern, fully equipped educational facility.
Detroit officials announced a $14.6 million renovation project that kicks off in August. The dollars are used from the Detroit school district’s facility master plan and a $7 million state grant.
Recommended Videos
“Returning Davis Aerospace to the City’s Airport is an example of returning a part of the district that should have never been eliminated or changed,” said Dr. Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent, DPSCD in a press release.
Students in the program gain in-depth knowledge about flight concepts and regulations. The program prepares students to obtain their remote pilot’s certificate, opens doors to careers in Commercial Drone Piloting and offers hand-on experience in simulators and the possibility of piloting a real aircraft.
The airport’s 53,000-square-foot terminal will undergo comprehensive upgrades, including architectural, HVAC, plumbing and electrical improvements across its three levels.
The redesigned space will include administrative offices, academic classrooms, spaces for students with disabilities, science labs, a health suite, physical education facilities, food service and dining areas, and dedicated Career and Technical Education zones.
“Bringing Davis Aerospace back to the airport is more than a symbolic return—it’s a powerful investment in the future of Detroit’s students,” said Dr. Iris Taylor, Board President, DPSCD Foundation in the press release. “Davis is preparing students for six-figure opportunities in aviation and aerospace, and this milestone represents exactly the kind of future-focused education we’re committed to expanding.”
Renovations are expected to be completed within one year.
Renderings of the facility can be found here.