Story ID: 
Signature Departs SNA but Continues Fight
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: Signature argues that the leasehold bidding process was illegal.
Word Count: 230
Signature Flight Support ended its 20-year tenure at John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana, California, on Friday but vowed to continue to fight for the leasehold there. The Orange County board of supervisors in late February reaffirmed its decision to award leaseholds for the two FBOs at SNA to Atlantic Aviation and ACI Jets.

In its decision to award to ACI Jets the lease that Signature had held for two decades, the board cited pricing concerns and a desire for a more local company. Signature, however, has accused the board of illegal and unfair bidding processes and said it would continue its legal challenges. The company on March 29 filed for a writ of mandate with the Orange County Superior Court, as well as a Part 16 complaint with the FAA.

“Signature vehemently disagrees with the actions by the Orange County board to replace us…and we are continuing to pursue the reversal of its actions in the appropriate legal venues,” said Signature senior v-p of sales and marketing Geoff Heck. “Nonetheless, the interests of our customers are best-served by vacating the premises now and ensuring that they will continue to have access to the airport as part of an orderly transition.”

Signature, noting it can accommodate its customers at other locations, said it is working with them to ensure an orderly transition.