Story ID: 377LabaceSheltair
Sheltair Building FXE Hangar Complex
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: The $30 million development will be operated by Banyan Air Service, which will add a satellite terminal on the north side of the airport.
Word Count: 330
Florida-based FBO operator and aviation real estate company Sheltair has begun construction on a new 180,000-sq-ft (16,722-sq-m) hangar complex at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) that will be operated by Banyan Air Service (Booth 2014) on its 85-acre aviation campus. The $30 million development, which includes eight hangars capable of sheltering the latest large-cabin business jets and an additional 30,000 sq ft of office and shop space, will also be the location of Banyan’s new Northside FBO terminal. 

"This is an exciting project for us as we are partnering with Banyan Air Service to create the type of facility that complements our respective firms; Sheltair building and managing a new state-of-the-art, multi-million dollar aviation facility, and Banyan’s top-of-the-line, red carpet FBO services and support to a discerning customer,” said Jerry Holland, founder, chairman, and CEO of Sheltair, which operates an FBO nearby at Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport. “It represents the mutual respect two aviation service companies have for each other, and a shared commitment to excellence.”

Banyan president Don Campion echoed that sentiment: "On occasion, we may be proud competitors, but at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, we've aligned our interests with one another for almost 40 years."

The facility is slated for a late 2019 ribbon-cutting, when Banyan’s satellite terminal will open 24/7 to provide ground handling and customer services. Todd Anderson, Sheltair’s senior vice president for real estate and development, said the project has already received considerable interest from local flight departments looking for more space. He added that customized build-outs are an option and the company is offering “early bird” incentive packages for fuel and other amenities.

"This significant investment reflects the strength of our economy and the tremendous confidence Sheltair and Banyan have in Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport," said city mayor Dean Trantalis. "The project is a credit to Sheltair's ability to bring development to our city that builds value, creates jobs, and continues to drive economic growth."