Kentucky Derby Boosts Local FBOs

While thousands of spectators watched the thrilling conclusion to last month’s Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, FBO operators in the Louisville area gazed out over ramps packed with aircraft. According to industry flight data provider FlightAware, 639 general aviation flights arrived in the Louisville area in the 72 hours before the race. At Louisville International Airport-Standiford Field, Atlantic Aviation, the lone FBO on the airport, saw 609 arrivals from Wednesday to Sunday, according to general manager Kimberly Deman. The traffic this year included a number of large jets, necessitating the use of rarely used remote parking areas. At nearby Bowman Field, Louisville Executive Aviation was host to approximately 200 bizjets and turboprops for the race. While that number represented 20 times the FBO’s normal weekend traffic, a representative there said it was a substantial decrease from last year. Across the Ohio River, Aircraft Specialists at Clark Regional Airport in Jeffersonville, Ind., reported approximately 35 jets and turboprops, an increase in business over last year.