Tampa International Airport celebrates opening of new Sheltair general aviation hangar

(February 21, 2018) Tampa International Airport joined Sheltair Aviation Feb. 21 to celebrate the grand opening of its newest corporate hangar complex at TPA. The new addition gives Sheltair, one of the nation’s leading fixed-base operators, the capacity to handle newer larger-cabin jets and the ability to meet the region’s growing general aviation needs. 

The new hangar expansion encompasses over 7.5 acres of land, includes 2.5 acres of additional apron space and adds 32,000 square feet of hangar and office space. The expansion reflects a $6.5 million investment that sustains Sheltair’s long-term vision to continue to serve its customers and the airports they serve by designing and building new hangars throughout its FBO network. The TPA Sheltair Complex now provides over 170,000 square feet of hangar, office, and FBO terminal space on the southeast side of TPA.  

“We have paid particular attention to projecting the future needs of our clients,” said Todd Anderson, Sheltair Senior Vice President for Real Estate and Development. “As a result, the new hangars can accommodate the newer larger cabin aircraft operators because of a deliberate design that includes 28 foot tall hangar doors and an infrastructure that can meet their operational needs.”

Anderson said the new hangar features the latest fire protection requirements with a new-state of the art high expansion foam fire suppression/protection system.  The hangar has a clear depth of 130 feet front to back and 230 foot side to side opening. 

Formerly the Tampa Jet Center, Sheltair bought the facility in 2016 and was ranked the No. 1 fixed-base operator in the United States last year. Corporate and general aviation is a growing business for TPA, which an 8.5 percent growth in general aviation revenues last year.

“After last week’s opening of SkyConnect and the Rental Car Center, TPA’s corporate aviation capacity is growing to meet the aviation demands of our fast-growing region,” TPA Executive Vice President of Marketing Chris Minner said. “The timing of this new Sheltair hangar is perfect.”

Sheltair, along with its neighbor FBO Signature Flight Support, helped accommodate more than 300 private aircraft that flew in last year for the College Football Playoffs Championship game last year and expects to handle even more when Tampa hosts Super Bowl in 2021. Corporate aviation is also a vital part of a region’s growing business community.

“The reason that Tampa Bay is one of the nation’s fastest growing economies is the way we embrace new companies,” TPA CEO Joe Lopano said. “For thousands of top business leaders, Sheltair provides an outstanding first impression of Tampa Bay.”