Marathon Aviation Associates (Booth 3030), the lone aviation services provider at Florida Keys Marathon International Airport, is the latest to join the Avfuel-branded dealer network. The company operates two FBOs on the field: the newly refurbished Marathon General Aviation, which supplies avgas at the Middle Keys gateway, and Marathon Jet Center, which is currently operating from a temporary facility as it rebuilds from the fury of last fall’s Hurricane Irma. The full-service FBO will finish construction on a 12,000-sq-ft hangar this winter, with a new terminal to follow in the first quarter of 2019.
A prime vacation destination, the Marathon area is poised for a rebound as several additional resorts prepare to reopen soon, following repairs and renovations. U.S. Customs has also returned to operation there, making the location, on the flight path of Victor G44843, a convenient customs stop on the route from Latin America to Florida, without the hassle of Miami traffic.
“Marathon Aviation Associates unlocks access to the Florida Keys for operators in the Avfuel network in addition to serving as a key international gateway,” said Joel Hirst, the Michigan-based fuel provider’s vice president of sales. “This is a major strategic location, and we see a lot of promising opportunity in this partnership.”
Marathon’s east avgas facility is installing two new self-serve units by the end of the month, doubling the fueling capacity for the FBO’s Bahamas aviation traffic. “This is an exciting time for Marathon Aviation Associates,” said company president Martin Hiller. “We look forward to serving our customers with enhanced services and amenities through our partnership with Avfuel and our upcoming developments, making Marathon an ideal choice for their island vacation or mainland stopover.”
Marathon will celebrate its airport’s 75th anniversary on October 20, with a free vintage aircraft fly-in, antique cars, food, music, and vendors.