Colorado’s Pitkin County has issued final approval for the renewal of Atlantic Aviation as the sole source provider at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (KASE), capping a process that has lasted more than a year and a half since the FBO mega-chain was selected as the winner of the airport’s RFP process.

During that span, there was heated discussion from the local community about what direction the airport should take, but the matter was settled late last week after the conclusion of a public comment period on the decision and a final vote by the county board of commissioners.

As a result, Atlantic was awarded a 30-year lease on the FBO with the provision of $136.5 million in capital improvements over that span, in addition to an estimated $880 million in rent, fees, and charges paid to the county, bringing the total commitment of the deal to a projected $1.15 billion. Included among the final lease points was a 25% discount from the fuel retail price for locally-based aircraft operators and those on the waitlist.

“This has been a productive and thorough process between Atlantic Aviation and Pitkin County staff who have worked to ensure that the values of our community are reflected in every aspect of this lease,” explained county manager Jon Peacock. “The commitment to transparency, sustainability, and collaboration has been instrumental in achieving this milestone.”