FBOs around the world

Jet Aviation has been busy on the build of an additional hangar at its FBO at Montana’s Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport (KBZN). It is now completed and adds to the providers covered offerings and with this latest facility there is now more than 300,000 sq ft of hangar space. The FBO terminal was also redone and the acquisition of new fuel trucks and ground equipment added to the arsenal.

Signature Aviation, the world’s largest private aviation terminal operator, proudly announced the commencement of construction on its FBO facility at Huntsville International Airport (HSV) back in June 2023. This occasion marks a significant milestone in Signature Aviation's commitment to providing unparalleled services to the aviation community and solidifies its partnership with the airport. The new terminal at HSV is designed to meet the evolving needs of discerning travelers and aviation professionals, as well as serve as a gateway to Huntsville and its thriving aerospace industry, catering to private, corporate, and government aviation customers. The groundbreaking ceremony on June 13 brought together key stakeholders including the Port of Huntsville Board of Directors, Huntsville and Madison County community leaders and members of the media. Huntsville International Airport CEO Butch Roberts and other speakers highlighted the significance of this investment and the positive impact it will have on the region. "The groundbreaking ceremony for Signature’s new HSV facility is helping highlight the importance of Huntsville as a destination for private aviation and as a key hub for aerospace, defense, and information technology," shared Marty Kretchman, Senior Vice President of Operations for Signature Aviation. "We’re thrilled to be kickstarting the next step in our efforts to serve our customers and the Huntsville community." The $11.3 million investment in the new facility underscores Signature Aviation’s commitment to delivering exceptional service, efficiency, and operational excellence by featuring a wealth of new passenger amenities for Huntsville visitors. This includes a spacious and elegantly designed terminal, comfortable lounges, private meeting rooms, and concierge services. The FBO will also commence a ramp expansion as a part of the facility upgrades, which should help to extend the front door experience of Signature HSV to a larger range of aircraft with a wider main ramp space.

FlexJet has opened their global operations. The new facility has one of the largest seamless LED screens in the world. In fact it is the largest seamless LED screen in the U.S., and the third-largest in the world measuring a staggering 176-feet wide by 19-feet high. The facility can monitor for all the aircraft in their fleet at the same time.

Here is a look at what the exterior of the Flexjet Global Operations center looks like, This is a 50 million dollar facility.

JetEx has opened their new FBO facility via a soft launch at the Al Bateen Executive Airport in the UAE. The real opening is expected to take place in November in time for the Dubai Air Show.

Republic Jet Center (RJC) is endeavouring to have a new facility in the next few years. RJC is a service provider at New York City-area Republic Airport (KFRG) and it has now started construction on the new $28 million FBO facility.

Some FBO news from today. The city of McKinney, Texas, opened a new 17,000-sq-ft terminal at its municipal-run FBO on McKinney National Airport (KTKI). “This FBO terminal will help us compete with other world-class facilities that are vying for the lucrative dollars generated by the many corporate fleets pouring into Collin County and the larger Dallas area,” said McKinney mayor George Fuller. “Facilities like this will continue to increase the airport’s value as an economic driver in our region.”

Tomorrow will see DeKalb County Airport (KGWB) in Auburn, Indiana, officially open the new extension to its sole runway 09/27. They extended the short runway by around 2,100-feet which now brings it to approximately 7,105-feet. The project which cost nearly 7 million dollars also included upgrading the runway lighting, new PAPIs, paint, exterior fencing for the extension. Russ Couchman, Airport Manager says, the field is currently home to six business jets. "I think we’re going to see more, and probably see more Part 135 because of [the longer runway]," he said. "We were seeing a whole bunch of jet traffic already that just wanted to be here, and that’s what prompted this. When we are seeing over 1,000 jet operations a year off of 5,000 feet [of runway], it was time to do something."

Clay Lacy has achieved full occupancy at its in-build hangar at Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC). The new hangar isn't expected to be available until early 2024 but is already sold-out and fully subscribed. The company is also accepting commitments for the 2nd and third hangars that are yet to be constructed but are in their structural phases. Yes it is more of a hangar development. The first hangar is around 40,000 sq ft and in-fact all the hangars are expected to be around the same size which will total in the region of 120,000 sq ft allowing them to house the latest new jets about to come into service like the Gulfstream G700 and Falcon 6X as well as the in-development jets like the Falcon 10X, G800, Global 8000. "We considered aircraft owners' needs first and foremost when developing this project," said Buddy Blackburn, the company’s senior v-p for FBO operations at Waterbury-Oxford. "The overwhelming response has shown that aircraft owners and flight departments have been searching for space to accommodate both current and future aircraft models and a tailored aircraft design solution that allows maximum protection and access for clients." The first hangar is near the 5,000 sq ft passenger terminal.

A new 40 year (with option ) contract award to Bluewater Aviation will see the development of lands to the eastern end of the runway at Brooksville-Tampa Regional Airport (KBKV) The 12 acre plot will see the construction of a second full service FBO at the airport. The massive project will be conducted in 2 phases. Phase I of the project is anticipated to break ground in first-quarter 2024 and be completed by the end of that year. That first phase will consist of a fuel farm, temporary terminal, and a build-to-suit hangar complex called "The Hangars at BKV". Already Bluewater Aviation is taking reservations for tenant aircraft and construction has not even started. On the other hand, Phase II of the project—which is anticipated to launch within two years—will include a permanent terminal and community hangars able to handle the latest ultra-long-range business jets, as well as a possible onsite restaurant.

Jet Aviation announced today that it has completed a full renovation of the lobby at its FBO in Houston. The project comprised an extensive overhaul of the facility, including increasing passenger areas and amenities.

The new space is designed to meet the company’s refreshed brand standards with a minimal, light, and elegant design. Renovations include increasing customer areas by some 500 square feet and adding amenities including a refreshment cafe, upgrades to the pilot lounges and flight planning area, and dedicated employee facilities. "As part of our continued investment in the facilities across our network, we are pleased to announce the completion of our lobby renovation at Houston Hobby Airport," said Richard Layson, vice president FBO operations in the Americas. "This new lobby, along with our 80,000 square feet of hangar space and aircraft canopy – the only one at the airport – further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to continue as partner of choice for our customers."

Avcenter Pocatello at the Pocatello Regional Airport (KPIH) has nearly doubled its sheltering capacity with the completion of a 30,000 sq ft heated hangar. The FBO always relatively recently redid the 4,000 sq-ft passenger terminal as well.

Turning our attention to Hawaii where there is a new FBO option opening up fully next month. This is via Big Island Jet Center at Kailua-Kona’ Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (PHKO). David Johnston, Big Island Jet Center’s senior partner, commented: "We couldn’t be happier to open in time for the holiday season, providing exceptional services to Hawaii’s seasonal traffic and general aviation community alike. Kailua-Kona is home to exquisite resorts; our aim is to offer that exclusive resort experience from wheels down to wheels up as the airport’s sole independent FBO. Big Island Jet Center is an investment in the private aviation experience, an investment in the airport and an investment in the Kailua-Kona community. We’re ready to take luxury to new heights."

Signature Aviation, the world’s largest private aviation terminal operator, recently announced the opening of a newly built private aviation facility at Des Moines International Airport (DSM) in Iowa. The opening is the latest realization of Signature Aviation’s commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences and reinforces its service at the largest airport in Iowa. The greenfield project features a 5,000 square foot guest terminal highlighted by striking exterior and interior design features, as well as a host of premium amenities engineered to streamline travel. The general aviation terminal is accompanied by a 30,000 square foot hangar and office area. The hangar includes a 27’ door opening and can space large business jets to the size of the Bombardier Global 6500, Dassault Falcon 7x, and Gulfstream G700. The 20-month construction project has produced a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified terminal which reinforces Signature’s commitment to sustainability via healthy and efficient green building practices. The facility joins nine other LEED certified locations within Signature’s network, including the recent opening in Bedford, Massachusetts.

"As one of the fastest growing cities in the Midwest, Des Moines is a key stop for aircraft operators traveling to and from Iowa, and a vital aspect of Signature’s presence in the region," shared Derek DeCross, Chief Commercial Officer for Signature Aviation. "The design and amenities at the reimagined Signature Des Moines will instantly make it one of the most recognizable and unforgettable stops within our network, bringing an exceptional experience to life for every guest."

Signature Aviation also reopened a facility in Bedford, Massachusetts. Signature Aviation, the world’s largest private aviation terminal operator, announced the opening of its renovated private aviation facility at L.G. Hanscom Field (BED) in Massachusetts. The opening marks the latest milestone in Signature Aviation’s commitment to providing elevated experiences throughout its network while solidifying its long-term partnership with the region’s largest general aviation airport. The upgraded facility features an array of customer-centric designs and amenities focused on space, speed, and sustainability, highlighted by the construction of a brand new 6,500 square foot passenger terminal. This terminal adds 2,500 square feet of space to serve customers, giving travelers modern, high-end amenities prior to departure.

Signature has opened a new location on Key West at the Key West International Airport (KEYW). "We are delighted to see our vision for the new Signature Key West come to life in a way that pays tribute to such a vibrant community," said company CEO Tony Lefebvre. "The design, amenities, and expanded space will create the perfect environment for our team members to deliver a warm and inviting experience for every guest." There is 23,500 sq ft of hangar space and a 4,500 sq ft terminal.

Modern Aviation has taken over the Puerto Rico FBO at the Isla Grande Airport and in the process becoming the airport's only service provider. "This acquisition will enable us to more efficiently provide services to customers at TJIG by adding significant hangar and office infrastructure to our current offerings," explained Modern CEO Mark Carmen. "We are pleased to welcome the employees and customers of Puerto Rico FBO to Modern Aviation."

Signature Aviation has officially rebranded on one of their locations with the new font styling. “Our new brand heralds Signature’s transformation as the world’s preeminent hospitality company in aviation,” explained company CEO Tony Lefebvre. “At every step of the guest journey, we aim to exceed their expectations by delivering a modern, innovative, and exceptional experience." Earlier this year, the company began the rebranding process at its terminals, starting with its facility at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, which hosted this year’s Super Bowl.