Banyan Celebrates 30-Year Anniversary

/
Located at Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport, Banyan Air Services, Inc. is proud to announce 30 years of aviation excellence. “It has been my sincere privilege over the years to grow with our teammates as we rally around clearly defined goals, strictly adhere to our values and passionately pursue excellence in the way we serve our customers and our community,” stated Don Campion, Banyan’s founder.
Read More

Thursday Open Thread: TSA's Large Airport Security Program (LASP)

/

Friday, Feb. 27, is the deadline to submit comments to the Transportation Security Administration on the proposed Large Aircraft Security Program. LASP would subject operators of aircraft with a take-off weight greater than 12,500 pounds to make sure crews and passengers have cleared security checks.

What do you think about the LASP proposal? What would you tell the TSA? What have you heard from customers who use your airport or FBO?

Click the comments link to contribute.

And here are some links to more information about LASP and other related news:
TSA programs
NBAA's draft comments
Feds may tighten small airport security – FOX 5, Atlanta
Airport to have new security rules in April – ENCToday.com
General aviation customers annoyed about security rule – ENCToday.com

Havasu Air Center Joins Avfuel Network

/
Havasu Air Center has joined the Avfuel dealer network. The Lake Havasu City, Ariz., (HII) FBO will receive fuel and quality assurance and marketing support from Avfuel. Havasu Air Center is offering pilots six AVTRIP points per gallon of fuel purchased. This offer extends to Avfuel Contract Fuel purchases and ends on March 31, 2009. Havasu Air Center offers a free night of hangar space — for a G-V or a 182 — after an initial purchase of 10 gallons of fuel, too.
Read More

Business Jet Buyers, Sellers Don't Agree on Values

/
Looking at the few jet sales that occurred in the final three months of 2008, it is interesting to attempt to identify the types of transactions. Are the sale prices considered fair market values, or are they more along the lines of distressed liquidation values? It depends on the side of the bargaining table. For the seller, chances are the distress in the negotiated sale price has to do with some urgency to liquidate the asset. On the other hand, the buyer who is the end user will argue the sale price is fair market value because he would not be willing to pay more for the aircraft. With too many buyers and sellers still riding the fence, it is hard to know what to call the sale. One thing is certain: If the present economy is our OK Corral, it is getting close to high noon. With the showdown at hand, one side or the other will be the first to break leather. After the smoke clears, everyone will know who the winner is. Time will tell.
Read More

New Management at Sebring Flight Center (SEF) Boosts Customer Service

/
Sebring Flight Center, the most recent addition to the Avfuel network of branded FBOs and contract fuel agents, is now under the management of ABS Aviation Management Services. On Oct. 1, 2009, ABS Aviation Management Services took over all day-to-day activities including customer relations, training, safety, fuel quality control, ordering and pricing. Most notably, the new management has dramatically revised the FBO’s customer service philosophy to include the assurance that all aircraft visiting the Sebring Flight Center are met and greeted upon arrival.
Read More

Hangar 10 Breaks Ground at MKC

/
Construction has begun on Hangar 10, a unique aviation services complex at the Kansas City, Mo., Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC). Breaking from the traditional approach found at most airports, the new Hangar 10 facility has a distinct design and is a cultural departure that features overnight inclusive pilot’s quarters and a well-equipped fitness center with separate locker rooms for men and women.
Read More

Augusta Regional Airport Aviation Services (AGS) Serves Masters Golf Tournament Visitors with Avfuel Promotions

/
Augusta Regional Airport Aviation Services (AGS) at Bush Field is currently gearing up for the annual Masters Tournament held April 6-12, 2009. With a dedication to quick, convenient and thorough customer and aircraft services, AGS has served the golf tournament’s spectators from all over the world for many years. This year, the AGS is offering an Avfuel AVTRIP promotion of bonus points to pilots refueling at the FBO between April 6 and 13.
Read More

L.J. Aviation Adds New Hangar and Three New Aircraft

/
L.J. Aviation is pleased to announce the completion of a new state-of-the-art hangar at its headquarters facility at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe, Pa., and the delivery of three factory-new aircraft. The dimensions of the new hangar are 120 by 240 feet and represent a $2 million investment in the surrounding Westmoreland County community.
Read More

Air 10 Jet Center (LUK) Forms Sister Company Reynolds Jet Management

/
Newly branded Avfuel FBO Air 10 Jet Center recently formed sister company Reynolds Jet Management to take over charter and jet management operations. The two companies will continue under the aegis of a single parent organization. The formation of Reynolds Jet Management is part of a long-term business strategy of rebranding the aviation service provider and offering the industry’s most competitive pricing. The new company takes its name from owner J. Mercer Reynolds, who acquired the management company in 2008.
Read More

Business Jet Access Adds King Air 350

/
Business Jet Access (BJA), a leading aviation services provider, has added a King Air 350 to its FAR Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate. The aircraft, which has a seating configuration for eight passengers, is a low-time 2006 model with a maximum range of 1440 nautical miles. “This King Air 350 is an exceptional aircraft that will offer our customers a value-added charter option,” Jamie Rose, Executive Flight Solutions Manager for BJA, said.
Read More

Avion Flight Centre (MAF) Joins the Avfuel-Branded Network of FBOs

/
Avion Flight Centre of Midland International Airport (MAF) has formed a marketing and supply alliance with Avfuel Corp. As an official Avfuel-branded dealer, Avion Flight Centre now honors the refueling rewards incentive program AVTRIP and is visible to the AVTRIP membership of more than 40,000 pilots. Avfuel reports increases in traffic, customer loyalty and upload volume at many FBOs after they have commenced the AVTRIP program. Avfuel reports high hopes for the efficacy of AVTRIP at Avion Flight Centre.
Read More

Twin Cities Air Service (LEW) Will Enjoy Longer Ramp at Auburn/Lewiston Municipal Airport in 2009

/
Twin Cities Air Service has announced that its base airport plans to expand the runway from its current 5000 feet to 6000 feet. The FBO reports looking forward to the increased capacity the runway extension will offer the airport at large. The FBO has also become one of the most recent additions to the growing network of Avfuel-branded FBOs, a move that reflects a drive to increase visibility and encourage pilots to visit more often and upload larger amounts of fuel.
Read More

Banyan and Odyssey Aviation Seal Deal for SATCOM Installations

/
Banyan Air Service and Odyssey Aviation Services reached an agreement for Banyan to perform SATCOM installations on five Cessna Sovereigns in 2009 for a undisclosed client. Odyssey will be performing the acceptance inspections in Wichita, Kan., at the Cessna Delivery Center, and then the aircraft will be repositioned to Banyan’s Fort Lauderdale, Fla., facility for the SATCOM installations.
Read More

The Cleveland Jet Center of Cuyahoga County Airport (CGF) Opens for Business

/
The Cleveland Jet Center (CGF), Cleveland’s premier new luxury fixed-base operator, has joined the Avfuel network of branded FBOs to offer the AVTRIP rewards program and participate in nationwide promotions. The partnership links The Cleveland Jet Center to Avfuel’s broad audience of thousands of flight departments and well over 40,000 AVTRIP active member pilots. This FBO plans to start fueling operations before the New Year.
Read More