Story ID: 550
Skyservice Makes Major Move into Miami
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: The addition of Fontainebleau Aviation will give the Canadian company its first foothold in the Southeast U.S.
Word Count: 254
Canada-based aviation services provider Skyservice announced it has purchased a majority interest in Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (KOPF) FBO Fontainebleau Aviation. It follows the company’s recent expansion into the U.S. and will bring the Skyservice brand to 13 locations in North America once the deal is approved by regulators.
According to Skyservice president and CEO Benjamin Murray, South Florida is the top destination for Skyservice’s managed fleet. This acquisition, which is expected to close in the next 30 days, will represent the Toronto-based company’s first foothold in the Southeast U.S.
Murray told AIN there will be little outward change at KOPF because he wishes to preserve the Fontainebleau name, and all 112 employees at the facility—which offers 350,000 sq ft of hangar space and a modern multi-story terminal­­—will be retained as well.
“Fontainebleau is an iconic brand that aligns perfectly with our values of service excellence, safety, and exceptional amenities,” said Murray. “We are differentiated by our world-class service offering across all our business lines and our proven ability to deliver bespoke solutions to a highly discerning customer base as demand for private aviation travel in North America continues to grow.”
The deal will also include Fontainebleau’s planned expansion into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (KFLL). Fontainebleau acquired the former Jetscape FBO facility that is currently under development. Including 80,000 sq ft of aircraft storage and a 35,000-sq-ft terminal/office complex, it is expected to be completed in the second half of 2024.