Press Release

Issued by Jackson Hole Airport Board.

November 5, 2017

In May 2017 the Jackson Hole Airport board found that a second FBO could be accommodated at the Jackson Hole Airport, once the airport's new fuel facility is operational in 2018. It directed staff to develop an RFP for a second FBO at the airport. While this was being developed, the current FBO operator, Jackson Hole Aviation LLC (JHA), approached the board about purchasing its assets to avoid probable inefficiencies associated with having two FBOs operating on the same ramp. At its November 1st Meeting, the board considered both options, and selected the purchase of JHA's assets for $26 million as the alternative which best served the public interest.

The board found that purchasing the FBO would benefit both the airport and the community. The Board will oversee operations of the FBO, which will help manage its character and footprint, and control the quality and value of services provided to both general aviation (GA) and airline users.

“Direct interaction with GA users through the FBO will help strengthen lines of communication with all airport users,“ stated Jim Elwood, Eexecutive director of the Jackson Hole Airport. “This communication will allow the airport to reinforce the importance of the airport's and community's values.”

Revenues the board receives from FBO business must be reinvested into the airport facilities and initiatives. These will include community driven ideals such as supporting additional environmental initiatives and the Fly Quiet Program, which help protect and preserve the land and airspace in and the around airport. “The Jackson Hole Airport board will continue to endorse initiatives that support the community, the environment and safety at the airport,” stated Elwood.

The airport does not receive Teton County or Town of Jackson tax dollars. The acquisition will be financed by revenue bonds, which will be backed by FBO operating revenues.

Several highly rated FBOs throughout the country are owned and operated by the airport. At least three commercial service airports in Wyoming already own and operate their FBOs.