Clemens Aviation celebrated the opening of two 18,000-sq-ft hangars at Col. James Jabara Airport (AAO) in east Wichita yesterday as the Part 91 and 135 operator begins construction on three additional hangars—also 18,000 sq ft each—and a fuel farm at the city-owned executive airport.
Company owner Dwayne Clemens told AIN construction of the additional new hangars, one of which will serve specifically for maintenance, and a fuel farm is expected to be completed in August. Operations at AAO are in addition to Clemens Aviation facilities at Lloyd Stearman Field Airport, about 21 miles northeast of Wichita.
The company's expansion to the Wichita airport was driven by the need for a longer runway with instrument approaches, as well as convenience for its charter and managed aircraft clients, most of whom live within four miles of AAO, Dwayne Clemens said.
Founded by Clemens in 2003, the company offers FBO, charter, maintenance, aircraft sales, and management services. Aircraft under management total 22, including a Bombardier Challenger 601, several Beechcraft King Airs, a Dassault Falcon 900B, and 15 Beechjet 400As, the latter of which have all been refreshed with Garmin G5000 avionics, winglets, refurbished cabin, and new paint. Its operations are supported by 30 pilots and 15 maintenance technicians.