News release from the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority:
Airport Authority to provide fixed base operation services at FWA
(February 24, 2015) – The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority Board of Directors approved today a resolution that allows the Airport Authority to begin providing fixed base operation (FBO) services at Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) beginning January 15, 2016.
Fixed base operators provide a wide range of aeronautical services to general aviation (non-commercial) users. In Fort Wayne, the FBO provides services like aircraft fueling, hangar rental, tie-down and parking, and aircraft de-icing. Atlantic Aviation currently operates the FBO at FWA.
“We believe that by assuming control of this operation, the Airport Authority can ensure the highest level of service to all users while also positioning the airport for future growth,” said Scott Hinderman, executive director of airports. “We look forward to taking the positive reputation we’ve built at Fort Wayne International and Smith Field Airports and extending it to offer the full range of FBO services at Fort Wayne International.”
At this time, it is business as usual at the FBO and users should expect no immediate change to operations.
Prior to the launch of services, the Airport Authority will complete and implement a formal business plan, to include the selection of a fuel supplier and the recruitment of staff, among other tasks.
While the Airport Authority won’t begin operating the FBO until 2016, construction is already underway for a new FBO facility featuring several new amenities. The new facility and subsequent demolition of the current FBO building will allow for the future westward expansion of the FWA terminal. Construction of the new facility is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2015.
“The new FBO will be one our users and northeast Indiana can be proud of,” said Hinderman. “An airport’s FBO is oftentimes the front door to the community, and we want to create the same professional, welcoming atmosphere that all our airport users have come to expect.”
The official name of the new FBO is scheduled to be released later this year.
About Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority
The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority (FWACAA) was created in 1985 and is responsible for managing the Fort Wayne International Airport and Smith Field Airport. Since FWACAA’s inception, Fort Wayne International Airport has undergone an aggressive improvement plan which included expansion of the terminal and parking areas, upgrades to the runways, and the creation of an Air Trade Center and Foreign Trade Zone to promote economic development in Northeast Indiana. As a result of FWACAA’s commitment to customer service, Fort Wayne International Airport was recognized by USA Today as one of the friendliest airports in the nation. The Authority is governed by a six-member board appointed by both the Mayor of Fort Wayne and the Allen County Commissioners. For more information about the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority, visit www.FWAirport.com.
See also – Fixed base operations at Fort Wayne International Airport.