Baton Rouge Jet Center (BTR Jet), one of three FBOs currently serving Baton Rouge Metro airport, is to acquire competitor Executive Aviation (EA) through an asset purchase agreement. Following the merger, BTR Jet expects to make a capital investment of $3 million in the construction of a new FBO operations facility and three new hangars. The new FBO will be approximately 5,000 sq ft, and the hangars should include 45,000 sq ft of hangar space with high doors to accommodate larger jets than can currently be housed in Baton Rouge.

The construction, which is estimated to take around one year, will allow BTR Jet to relocate its operations to the EA site, while retaining some operations at its current facility.

BTR Jet president Brett Furr says: “In a little over three years, BTR Jet has grown to be the number one FBO on the field. We have achieved this through concierge service at fair prices. We have rapidly outgrown our facilities and have much need for expansion, and this opportunity will allow us to continue to expand. It is also a great fit since the owners of BTR Jet and Executive share common values. When completed, our new facilities will be among the finest in the country and will distinguish Baton Rouge in a very positive manner. The customer base for BTR Jet and EA should anticipate a smooth transition once the merger has begun.”

John Schempf, president of the Newtron Group, the parent company of Executive Aviation adds: “BTR Jet was looking to expand its footprint and The Newtron Group was looking to focus on its core construction business. This opportunity was truly a positive for both buyer and seller. The fact that we know the ownership team of BTR Jet and are familiar with their operational values and beliefs helped us feel comfortable that the long-term employees of Executive Aviation would be in great hands. That really helped to close this deal.”

Since opening on September 25, 2015, BTR Jet has become the biggest provider of aviation fuel to general aviation customers on the field and obtained Corporate Aviation Association certification.

Executive Aviation was founded in 1973 by Newton Thomas, and is the oldest FBO at the Baton Rouge Metro airport.