By late Monday at the career and networking fair with AAR Aircraft Services in Duluth, Don Hoag had begun greeting people with a specific question.
"Are you here to apply," the Duluth work force development manager asked potential job candidates, "or are you here for the reunion?"
Former Northwest Airlines employees turned out in high numbers at the event upon hearing that AAR is considering Duluth to expand by establishing its fifth maintenance, repair and overhaul base.
"It's kind of a homecoming," said Duluth resident Ross Gustafson, who saw several former co-workers at the fair.
Gustafson worked for more than 15 years as a lead aircraft mechanic at the former Northwest Airlines base in Duluth and said he now works in the mines.
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"I'm keeping my options open," he said.
The Northwest Airlines maintenance base, which opened in 1996, has largely sat empty since the airline moved out in 2005. Finding an appropriate use for the building, which was built for heavy aircraft, has been a priority and a challenge for city officials and economic development proponents. Talks began with AAR officials in April.
Gustafson and nearly 200 others attended the first day of the fair to show interest in working for AAR. About 200 more have submitted information online, said Betsy Harmon, job service manager for the state WorkForce Center in Duluth.
"I think we've shown we do have a skilled work force here," she said.
If AAR chooses the former Northwest maintenance base for expansion, it would mean 250 well-paying aviation maintenance jobs including airframe and power plant mechanics, sheet metal, avionics, interior specialists and inspectors.
Greg Dellinger, AAR's director of recruiting, said during the event Monday he was optimistic about the quality of candidates.
"I've seen every resume," he said. "They have strong past performance with aircraft maintenance."
He also noted the large number of former Northwest employees greeting each other.
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"Earlier about 20 people were having a mini-reunion here," he said. "This event is connecting people and showing us the camaraderie that still exists. I'm pleased."
He said they are seeking a work force with technical efficiency, a quick turn-around time and a winning attitude in an industry that's having its share of turbulent times.
"It's not for the timid," Dellinger said.
Lee and Fran Johnson know all too well about the industry's ups and downs.
Lee Johnson worked for five years as a production manager for Northwest in Duluth before it closed. He's now an inspector for Delta Airlines in the Twin Cities. Fran Johnson, a maintenance planner for Mesaba Airlines, has recently learned her job will be moving to Memphis.
Both were at the fair in Duluth on Monday to convey their interest in AAR and in moving back to Duluth.
"We would move back here in a minute," Lee Johnson said.
"It's my first choice," Fran Johnson added.
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Lee Johnson said the facility in Duluth was a great place to work because of the numerous windows and location in a wooded area.
"You don't normally have too many windows in a hangar," he said. "And in the winter, we'd ride snowmobiles to work."
Not all who attended the fair had to be former Northwest employees, Dellinger said, although he was happy to see them and said that the flight training program at Lake Superior College could bring any who have been out of the industry up to speed.
Candidates for the jobs also could include former employees of Cirrus and others with skills that could transfer over.
The fair continues today at the DECC from noon to 8 p.m.
"I'd like to see another stack of forms like this," Hoag said of the large pile of registration and skills assessment forms submitted.
Those who cannot attend the fair may submit resumes to aircraft@duluthmn.gov or can fill out an online form here .
