Story ID: 
Toledo, Ohio FBO Acquires On-field Rival
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: The move gives Grand Aire facilities on both sides of KTOL
Word Count: 228
The number of service providers at Ohio’s Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (KTOL) decreased to two after Grand Aire purchased the FBO assets of rival National Flight Services (NFS). The latter will remain a separate business on the field, focusing on aircraft maintenance and inspections.
The acquisition includes NFS’ 3,200-sq-ft terminal on the east side of the field, which features passenger and pilot lounges and a kitchen area. An adjoining 16,000-sq-ft hangar can accommodate aircraft up to the size of a Citation Latitude. As well, the complex has a 5,000-sq-ft ground service equipment maintenance facility, 4.5 acres of ramp, and a fuel farm with a capacity of 85,000 gallons of jet-A and 17,000 gallons of avgas. The transaction also included the FBO’s refuelers and de-icing equipment.
Grand Aire expects that the newly acquired location will be dedicated to handling air cargo operations, while its original, recently renovated facility on the west side of the field—which has seven acres of ramp and is open 24/7—will continue to serve general aviation traffic.
“We are excited to now be operating an FBO dedicated to cargo as well as an FBO dedicated to corporate travel,” noted company president and CEO Zach Cheema. “With this investment, Grand Aire is able to further serve Toledo’s aviation community and help drive the region’s economy.”