Florida-based aviation services provider Sheltair has given its FBO network in the Sunshine State a major boost with an announcement yesterday that it purchased the Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC), one of two FBOs at Tampa International Airport. The independently owned location has been highly rated in the annual AIN FBO Survey since it opened more than a decade ago.

“We are pleased to announce that we acquired Tampa International Jet Center, an award-winning operation with a highly commended customer service staff,” said Sheltair chairman and CEO Jerry Holland. “We are genuinely excited about bringing their expertise and reputation into the Sheltair family. Strategically, this location and operation fits perfectly into our growth model and complements our network of FBOs.”

For Sheltair, the addition represents its 17th location, spread throughout Florida, New York and Georgia. TIJC features a 14,000-sq-ft terminal, 12,000-sq-ft airside arrival/departure canopy and 108,000 sq ft of hangar space. Sheltair will continue the FBO’s previously announced plan to add another $5.5 million, 32,000-sq-ft hangar, which is expected to open in mid-2017.