Big Island Jet Center, a new FBO at Hawaii’s Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (PHKO), is set to make its debut next month as the gateway’s third service provider.
Located at the south end of the airport, the company will begin operations on December 14 from a temporary facility on a nine-acre ramp capable of handling aircraft up to an Airbus A319. It will include indoor and outdoor passenger lobbies and a 50,000-gallon Avfuel-supplied jet fuel farm. The facility’s line staff is NATA Safety 1st-trained, and its customer service staff has completed the Ritz-Carlton training program.
“We couldn’t be happier to open just in time for the holiday season, providing exceptional service to Hawaii’s seasonal traffic and general aviation community alike,” explained Big Island senior partner David Johnston. “Kailua-Kona is home to exquisite resorts; our aim is to offer that exclusive resort experience from wheels down to wheels up as the airport’s sole independent FBO.”
The company expects to soon begin construction on its permanent 7,500-sq-ft “open concept” terminal, which will provide a passenger seating area, pilot lounge, conference room, flight kitchen with food storage area, concierge, and executive office space. Planning for the terminal began in 2018, with completion targeted by the end of 2024.
A second phase of construction will see the addition of wind and storm-resistant hangars.