Sheltair Aviation has opened its US$55m, 144,000 square foot FBO hangar complex at Republic Airport (FRG) in Farmingdale, New York.
Each new facility offers 31,000 square foot of floor space, 4,000 square foot of office space, 28ft-door heights, generous ramp space, and dedicated vehicle parking. On what was once part of a historic defense complex, the entrance to the Sheltair complex is secure for tenants and their guests.
Sheltair’s decision to make a multi-million-dollar investment at Republic Airport reflects several strategic factors. Republic sits under the New York metropolitan area’s economic umbrella and a short helicopter ride away from Manhattan, allowing general aviation aircraft uncongested access to one of the most important business markets in the world.
According to the company corporate aviation has additionally long expressed a desire for Sheltair to expand its FRG footprint with new state-of-the-art buildings.
Todd Anderson, Sheltair’s senior vice president for real estate and development, said, “A tremendous amount of time and effort has been invested in the design and construction of these facilities. For example, unlike most hangars, thermal pane windows just beneath the roofline allow natural light to flood the space.
“While the facility is obviously heated, so, too, are the hangar door tracks to ensure winter ice and snow can’t impede operations. Energy efficient features are found throughout the design, and the administrative spaces are capable of being configured to meet the unique needs of each tenant.”
Warren Kroeppel, chief operating officer at Sheltair said, “These first three of what will be six hangars reflect decades of experience in what works when ensuring the most efficient use of space for tenants.”
Two-thirds of the hangars have already been fully leased. Among the aviation tenants that have already taken up residence in the new complex is Zenflight, which operates a unique private club of corporate aircraft based around the country. Zenflight has also made Republic its corporate headquarters.
Malte Lorenz, president of Zenflight, said, “We have long recognized Republic Airport’s location is important for many of our clients, so when Sheltair completed these 21st century hangars, we wanted to be first in line to secure space. However, in addition to modern aviation hangars, their design was so attractive it compelled us to locate our administrative office at this location, maximizing efficiencies and allowing us to keep jobs on Long Island.”
