AOPA Notches FBO Competition Victories

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AOPA, almost a year into its program to target FBOs charging what it views as “egregious” fuel prices and fees, is starting to declare victory against some of the FBOs on the most-wanted list. OK3 Air, at Heber City Airport, Utah, had been a favorite AOPA target after the owner admitted he kept prices high because he didn’t want more aircraft using the airport. The non-towered field is the closest public airport to Park City, a ski destination and, in January, home of the Sundance Film Festival, which reliably brings in many of the biggest names in Hollywood. Heber City Council voted this month to amend its airport minimum standards, paving the way for a second FBO to install a self-service fuel concession at the airport. “Like many other communities, including Orange County and Cedar Rapids, Heber City is working proactively as the airport sponsor to reclaim control, fulfill its grant obligations, and ensure that the airport is accessible and affordable to all segments of general aviation,” said AOPA General Counsel Ken Mead, who had led the initiative for the organization.

While not necessarily taking credit, AOPA also reports progress at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, where the County Board of Supervisors has decided to replace Signature Flight Support with ACI Jet. At least one supervisor, Shawn Nelson, suggested pricing by Signature was a factor in the decision. “When people have a monopoly . . . and the price is really high, call it what it is,” Nelson told the local Orange County Register. Likewise, Eastern Iowa Airport has recently added an avgas self-service pump and is looking into public transient parking options.

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