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Council approves DPSCD lease to bring Davis Aerospace back to Coleman A. Young airport
Summary
Detroit City Council approved a one‑year lease for Detroit Public Schools Community District to operate Davis Aerospace from the Coleman A. Young International Airport at a fair market rent of $349,675, with CPI adjustments, as part of efforts to expand aviation career pathways for Detroit students.
Detroit City Council approved a lease allowing Detroit Public Schools Community District to return Davis Aerospace high‑school programming to the Coleman A. Young International Airport.
The council approved a one‑year lease at a fair‑market annual rent of $349,675, subject to CPI adjustments, for space to host flight training, CTE drone programs and maintenance instruction, council members and district officials said during the session.
Why it matters: Supporters said restoring Davis Aerospace to the airport will expand regional career and certification opportunities in aviation for Detroit students, including pilot ground instruction, drone programs and maintenance credentials. Council member Scott Benson said aviation certificates “are marketable” and noted the program could produce licenses that students can use for employment.
Details and council discussion: Council member Scott Benson, who has championed airport investment, described the agreement as part of a broader multi‑year effort to reactivate the Coleman A. Young Municipal Airport and bring K‑12 aviation training back to the facility. “DPSCD has committed to ensuring that our students are prioritized and they will be in line for those critical seats,” Benson said. Michonne Jackson (DPSCD) told the council the district is “incredibly excited about the programming” planned for the terminal building, including flight maintenance and flight training.
DPSCD and city officials said the lease is one step in a larger airport revitalization program that has included recent groundbreakings, terminal upgrades and investment aimed at restoring general aviation services at the airport.
Next steps: The agreement was approved during the meeting and a waiver was attached so the item could move forward without the usual delay. Administration and district staff said they will continue coordinating facilities, transportation for students and program rollout.
Ending: Council members framed the lease as a reversal of prior removals of the program and an investment in career‑technical education that they say will create immediate, marketable credentials for participating students.
