New York-based business aircraft charter, management and maintenance firm Talon Air has ventured into aircraft handling, opening its first FBO at Long Island (N.Y.) Republic Airport this week. This makes it the third service provider on the field. The company has had a presence at the airport for the past 12 years and recently added a new 90,000-gallon fuel tank farm as it made the transition to full FBO status.
“Our mission has always been to provide our customers with the highest level of convenience and service,” said Talon Air founder Adam Katz. “Becoming an FBO is a goal we have worked toward for many years, because it will lower costs, create greater access to our charter, maintenance and management services as well as increase the number of air travelers coming to and from Republic Airport.”
The Shell-branded location’s 35,000-sq-ft terminal complex features 15,000 sq ft of passenger and crew lounges; two conference rooms seating 10 and 20 people; four snooze rooms; shower facilities; a flight-planning center; Wi-Fi; and on-site car rental. Talon, which increased its staff by more than 20 with the new services, offers the only Part 145 maintenance at Republic, with a staff of 25 technicians who can provide 24/7 service for transient and based aircraft, the latter of which includes the company’s 23 aircraft ranging from a Gulfstream V to a King Air 300.
U.S. Customs and Immigration service is available on site from 8 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. The company also offers Sikorsky S-76B helicopter transfer service. Along with three acres of ramp parking, the FBO, which is staffed 24/7, has a pair of nearly 30,000-sq-ft heated hangars that can accommodate the latest class of ultra-long-range business jets.