Amports to sell U.S. FBOs and airport interests

Associated British Ports of the UK is in negotiations with possible buyers of its American Port Services’ U.S. aviation businesses, including its AvCenter chain of FBOs and the management of several airports. The company reportedly is selling most of its U.S. Amports businesses because they don’t fit with the rest of the U.S. group, which operates primarily seaports. But the news is surprising, given the fact that Amports had been on a steady course of acquiring FBOs since last year and as recently as three months ago acquired the former Valet Air Services at Burlington (Vt.) International (BTV). AvCenters are also in operation at Biloxi, Miss.; Pittsburgh; Louisville, Ky.; and New Castle, Del. Amports also manages Republic Airport in Farmingdale, N.Y.; Westchester County Airport in White Plains, N.Y.; Atlantic City Airport in New Jersey; and the 34th Street Heliport in New York City.