Quantcast

Richmond International Airport proposes taking over long-standing fixed-base operators

Policy
Webp 898vmm0ovyiogs3i4ise06qknsub
Aviation International News | Aviation International News

Virginia’s Richmond International Airport (KRIC) has issued a proposal to take control of its two fixed-base operators (FBOs), with a meeting planned for tomorrow. The Capital Region Airport Commission will vote on a resolution presented last week by KRIC president and CEO Perry Miller that would eliminate Richmond Jet Center—which has more than seven decades in operation at the field—as well as the Million Air Richmond FBO, in operation since 1992, in favor of one airport-controlled entity.

The vote announcement comes after the commission issued and then canceled two requests for proposals (RFPs) during the evaluation process over the past year and a half. While the first RFP noted leases for two aviation service providers, the second—seemingly in violation of the airport’s grant assurances—was for only one, despite both FBO leases being due to expire in early 2026.

Under the airport’s master plan, which calls for the creation of a parallel runway, three leaseholds are identified for general aviation development. Both FBOs attempted to negotiate shorter lease renewals while the airport sorted out its plans but were rebuffed. According to the FBOs, they were blindsided by news of the vote scheduling and both told AIN that the numbers presented in the airport's proposal strongly overstated potential revenues resulting from the takeover.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Richmond Jet Center—which claims it spent $250,000 developing proposals—said it never received any responses from the airport to its repeated inquiries as to why the RFPs were canceled. It has since filed a lawsuit demanding that the commission disclose records on its decision-making process.

KRIC is a mixed-use airport, with airline activity accounting for half of its operations. The two FBOs share in airline fueling, a task that any airport-operated facility would need to perform in addition to tending to business and general aviation traffic.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Flying Food Group's CEO, David Cotton, has reiterated the company's commitment to philanthropy through the Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust.

Dec 31, 2024

The history of British Aerospace is marked by a series of renowned military aircraft, from the Spitfire, known for its role in the Battle of Britain, to the innovative Harrier jump-jet.

Dec 31, 2024

A Horizon Air Embraer E175 flight operated for Alaska Airlines experienced a bird strike shortly after departing from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.

Dec 31, 2024

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, known as the "Black Knights," holds a prominent place in the United States Marine Corps' aviation history.

Dec 31, 2024

Austrian Airlines is set to begin utilizing airBaltic's Airbus A220 aircraft for its flights starting in March 2025.

Dec 31, 2024

Singapore Changi Airport, one of the busiest international airports globally, is set to expand with the construction of a new Terminal 5.

Dec 31, 2024