Florida-based aircraft charter and management provider Elite Air has begun construction on a dedicated 72,000-sq-ft terminal/hangar complex at St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (KPIE). The project is anticipated for completion in 2025.
Currently based out of the Sheltair facility at KPIE, Elite manages 26 aircraft, 22 of which—ranging from the Gulfstream G650ER and Bombardier Global 5500 to the Beechcraft King Air 350—are on its Part 135 certificate.
The $15 million project, with an entrance on Roosevelt Boulevard, will include an FBO-like 7,000-sq-ft, two-story terminal with a porte-cochère, pilot lounge, food and beverage area, two conference rooms, and second-floor office space for both the company’s operations and tenant leasing. Occupying 14 acres at KPIE, the complex will also feature 65,000 sq ft of hangar space capable of handling the latest ultra-long-range private jets. Upon completion, Elite plans to provide its own ground handling services, and 24/7 U.S. Customs is available on the field.
In addition to sheltering the company’s aircraft, with hangar space in Florida at a premium, Elite is also accepting waiting list applications from outside operators. “Hangar space has become tight throughout the Tampa Bay area, and even nationwide,” said company president AJ Becker.