Business

A new flight school opens Aug. 2 at Natchitoches Regional Airport. The Flight Academy of New Orleans will move into the hangar formerly occupied by Northwestern State University's aviation program that closed about a year ago. Stanley Salter, chairman of the Airport Commission, say the arrangement includes a partnership with Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He says China is experiencing an aviation boom and its citizens often seek flight training in the United States. The open house event is from 4 - 6 p.m. at Natchitoches Regional Airport.

Ruston, La.-based Community Trust Bank has opened a branch in the former Wray-Dickinson Motor Co. building in downtown Shreveport. Regional president Larry Little says the building conveys a sense of strength and durability, the same qualities the bank upholds. He says Community Trust Bank acted quickly on the 100-year-old property when it went on the market last year. He plans to hang historical photos in the bank lobby.