Story ID: 463
Sheltair Improves East Coast U.S. FBOs
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: The FBO chain has unveiled its new terminal in Orlando, Fla, and added hangar space there, and at its Farmingdale, New York facilty.
Word Count: 358
U.S. based FBO chain Sheltair has completed construction of its new FBO expansion at Orlando Executive Airport in Florida. In addition to serving as a tourism destination, home to several world-class amusement parks, the city shares hosting duties with Las Vegas for NBAA’s annual convention and exhibition. The project consisted of a new four-story 37,000-sq-ft terminal building and two additional hangars totaling 22,600 sq ft of aircraft storage with 3,600 sq ft of attached office space. Altogether, the new development brings the company to 323,147 sq ft of total hangar/office space in Orlando.

The new complex, which officially opens on June 11, will offer amenities including complementary aircraft cabin cleaning, concierge services, catering, crew cars, passenger shuttle service, refreshments, conference room, pilots lounge, and flight-planning area.

Sheltair (Booth E89), also recently added additional hangar space at its facility at New York’s Republic Airport on Long Island. The first phase of a $55 million project includes three hangars, each with 31,000 sq ft of aircraft storage space, 28-foot-high doors, and 4,000 sq ft of office space, which brings the location to nearly 180,000 sq ft of hangar floor, and fulfills what the company describes as customer demand for increased hangar space. Located in Farmingdale, the airport is a short helicopter ride away from downtown Manhattan.

“These first three of what will be six hangars reflect decades of experience in what works when ensuring the most efficient use of space for tenants,” said company COO Warren Kroeppel. "However, what can’t be put in a blueprint is the level of service offered by each and every Sheltair Aviation employee. You can put all types of amenities into a building but it still comes down to an individual commitment to excellence.”

Among those that have taken up residence in the new complex is Zenflight, which operates a private club of corporate aircraft based around the U.S. It has made the Republic its new corporate headquarters. Along with the three similar-sized additional hangars, the second phase of the project will include a new 10,000-sq-ft FBO terminal that is expected to be completed later next year.