Story ID: 
Avfuel Expands Dealer Network
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: Independent fuel supplier Avfuel has added the first branded dealer outside North America to its network.
Word Count: 372
Independent fuel supplier Avfuel has added the first branded dealer outside North America to its network. The Michigan-based company has partnered with George Best Belfast City Airport and its Eurojet Aviation FBO to provide additional fuel and purchasing options at the airport. Traditionally European airports typically have only one fuel supplier, but the management at Belfast City believes the introduction of Avfuel could have benefits. “Introducing an alternative fuel supplier allows us to be more competitive, which will ultimately drive more business aviation traffic to the airport,” said Mark Beattie, the airport’s operations director.
Domestically the company added three new venues to its branded dealer network. Southfield Aviation, an FBO at Coeur d’Alene Airport (COE) in Hayden Lake, Idaho, offers oxygen service, hangars, maintenance, pilot supplies and on-site rental cars. The mining industry brings many business aviation clients to the Spokane, Wash.-area airport, while summer homes in the region keep the airport busy from May through October.
At Page Field in Fort Myers, Fla., the former Aviation Center (recently remodeled into Base Ops at Page Field) opened at the end of August and pays homage to the heritage of the airport as a World War II training base. The design of the new terminal echoes 1940s architecture and the interior features displays of military artifacts designed by local historians. Murals depict the field during the height of its WWII service, and a full-scale model of a P-51 Mustang fighter hangs from the ceiling. Even the modern ground-service equipment is painted olive drab to resemble army vehicles. Despite the period feel, the facility offers state-of-the-art amenities to passenger and crew alike.
Del Monte Aviation, the latest addition to the fuel provider’s network, has more than 50 years of service to domestic and international customers. The FBO is based at Monterey Peninsula Airport in Monterey, Calif., and was founded to serve travelers headed to nearby Pebble Beach. The facility’s 8,300-sq-ft terminal offers a conference room, flight-planning room and crew lounge with shower. Courtesy golf clubs and discount tee times are available for pilots hankering for the area’s famed links. Crew cars are available along with those from several car rental agencies.