US FBO chain Sheltair has sold its remaining two New York FBO operations at Republic airport and Francis S Gabreski (Westhampton) airport, finalising the divesture of its five New York bases sold to Modern Aviation.

First announced in the autumn of 2021, the agreement has now received all government approvals allowing Modern Aviation to formally take over the operations at both airports from 1 September, 2022. Airport aviators and passengers will be well served by Modern Aviation's acquisition of Sheltair's Republic and Gabreski extensive and operations.

“Modern Aviation's team of professionals share our commitment to flight safety, service and a corporate ethic that consistently puts customers first,” says Sheltair president Lisa Holland. “It should come as no surprise that they have retained our Farmingdale and West Hampton staff to ensure a seamless experience for passengers and pilots and a reputation for outstanding professionalism.”

Holland praised the management teams at Gabreski and Republic, Suffolk County, and the New York Department of Transportation, whose cooperation has aided in the sale's review and approval process. She also reminded that Sheltair's award-winning reputation has been made possible by its employees.

“It is Sheltair's family of employees that has allowed us to become a well-respected leader in the nation's aviation community," she continues. "Nowhere has that been more evident than in New York.”

Modern Aviation CEO Mark Carmen adds: “Acquiring Sheltair's Long Island operations is an enormous milestone for us. In particular, we not only recognise the enormous history at Republic airport but today's important relationship with the surrounding airport community. We look forward to sustaining the community dialogue and engagement that Sheltair pioneered, creating a model for every FBO across the country.”

The decision to transition out of the New York market allows Sheltair greater flexibility in pursuing its ongoing national strategy for growth in other parts of the country.

In October 2021, Modern Aviation agreed to acquire the operations and facilities underlying Sheltair's five New York FBOs at La Guardia, JFK, Gabreski, Republic and Long Island MacArthur airports. The sale of JFK and La Guardia went through in February this year and Long Island in March.