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Retired jets await disassembly at Universal Asset Management, an aircraft recycling company that
leases space from the Tupelo Regional Airport. UAM has operated in Tupelo since 2011 and has
some 60 employees on the payroll with plans to add more. Some city leaders have complained the
area resembles a “junkyard.” (THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL)
Universal Asset Management occupies space previously owned by the Army Aviation Support
Facility but purchased several years ago by Tupelo Regional Airport. The area will receive major
renovations in the coming months, thanks in part to a $1.8 million federal grant. (THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL)
Universal Asset Management, which opened operations at Tupelo Regional Airport in 2011, offered to organize a tour for City Council members who last month questioned the company's business.
Although a date hasn't been set, it could happen as early as this month.
"I think the biggest misconception is that UAM is a junkyard that causes damage, and that's the furthest thing from the truth," said Keri Wright, chief operating officer for the Memphis-based company.
"We're not a junkyard. We run a highly sophisticated and highly skilled process that the entire aviation industry depends on," Wright said.
UAM flies 747s and other decommissioned aircraft to Tupelo and takes them apart in the former Army Air National Guard facility. The parts are then recycled.
To help block the hulking jets from view, the city planted $50,000 worth of trees and shrubs near the fence line bordering the facility. Lee County had contributed $25,000 to that effort.
But it will take years for the foliage to grow into an effective screen.
In the meantime, residents apparently have complained to city officials about what they claim is an unsightly view.
"The airport is in my ward, and I have a lot of constituents that are unhappy with all the planes," said Ward 6 Councilman Mike Bryan. "They want to know how many more planes will come in and are we getting money from them sitting there."
UAM pays the airport $85,000 annually for its lease. That rate will increase each year until capping at $115,000.
The company had tried to quell similar concerns before opening last year, with Wright and Tupelo Regional Airport Director Josh Abramson assuring the public that UAM runs "a clean operation."
Since then, the company has disassembled numerous planes and grown its workforce to roughly 60 people, Wright said. It hopes to have 100 on staff within the next year or so.
Council President Fred Pitts said he looks forward to the tour.
"They want to be a good neighbor," he said. "I think there are a lot of positive things going out there that nobody knows about."
emily.lecoz@journalinc.com