US FBO network Sheltair Aviation has closed the sale of its FBOs at New York's John F Kennedy and LaGuardia airports to fellow FBO chain Modern Aviation.

First mooted in the autumn of 2021, the agreement has now received all government approvals allowing Modern Aviation to formally take over operations from 8 February. Originally the agreement covered the acquisition of the operations and facilities underlying three other Sheltair New York FBOs as well: Westhampton, Republic/Farmingdale and Long Island MacArthur airports.

“We are enormously proud of Sheltair's dedicated New York team and our corporate legacy serving these landmark airports," says president Lisa Holland. "We have every confidence in Modern Aviation, its team of professionals and their ability to meet the needs of this demanding market. As we anticipate a smooth and coordinated transition in the days ahead, it is important to pay tribute to the Port of Authority of New York and New Jersey. They are consummate aviation professionals and we are deeply appreciative of their efforts and guidance.”

She notes that the decision to transition out of the New York market will allow Sheltair greater flexibility in pursuing their ongoing national strategy for growth in other parts of the country such as Florida, Georgia and Colorado.

Modern Aviation CEO Mark Carmen adds: “Our JFK and LaGuardia customers will find familiar faces when they taxi up to our FBOs. In keeping with our agreement with Sheltair, we will be hiring Sheltair's New York employees for they have demonstrated excellence with every arrival and departure.”