After an 11-year struggle, much of it acrimonious, Boston Executive Helicopter pumped its first fuel into an aircraft as an FBO last week at Norwood Memorial Airport, Massachusetts. Although the first customer was the company’s own helicopter, BEH is now officially the second FBO on the airport, in addition to FlightLevel Aviation.

The effort to establish the FBO started in 2010 when the charter operator first submitted its proposal to the city of Norwood and the Norwood Airport Commission (NAC). Since that time, BEH, the NAC, and FlightLevel Aviation have traded insults, accusations, lawsuits, and broken agreements. Also, as the result of FAA investigations, the agency concluded the airport was in violation of federal grant regulations on the grounds of discrimination against BEH.



“Eleven years later we finally pumped our first gallon of fuel,” said BEH president Christopher R. Donovan. “There are many people to thank. You know who you are. Without the support of our founder and owner, and so many others, we would have been long gone.”



The company has not yet responded to AIN’s questions regarding its FBO facilities, services, amenities, and fees, as well as the status of pending lawsuits against Norwood related to opening the FBO at the airport.