Story ID: 
Modern Aviation Expands to the Caribbean
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: Modern Aviation has expanded again with an agreement to purchase the Million Air FBO at Puerto Rico’s Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci/Isla Grande Airport.
Word Count: 250
Rapidly-growing FBO chain Modern Aviation has expanded again with an agreement to purchase two FBOs in Puerto Rico. The deal calls for Modern to buy Hill Aviation, a Million Air franchisee that operates the FBO at Puerto Rico’s Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci/Isla Grande Airport (TJIG) in San Juan, as well as a satellite facility at the island’s Jose Aponte de la Torre Airport (TJRV) in Ceiba.

In 2019, Hill bought out the Signature FBO at TJIG, making it the lone FBO there. The facility at Isla Grande includes a 5,000-sq-ft terminal and 88,000 sq ft of hangar space that can accommodate up to midsize business jets. Plans call for the construction of a 30,000-sq-ft hurricane-hardened concrete hangar that can shelter larger aircraft.

The deal, which is expected to close by year-end, also includes the company’s Part 145 repair station. Hill will retain its aircraft charter and management operation, which remain based at the facility.

“Isla Grande Airport has been growing by attracting new based customers as it offers significant advantages compared to other regional airports,” said Modern CEO Mark Carmen. “The FBO’s location offers quicker access to and from the main roads in San Juan, and customers can directly access their aircraft on the ramp unlike at comparable airports in San Juan.”

Modern made news earlier this month with its purchase of Sheltair’s New York FBO locations, a move that more than doubled its number of facilities.