Bent Wing Flight Services has started operations out of its permanent home at Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport’s new US$4.5m general aviation terminal building.
The new terminal was designed to represent the F4U Corsair aircraft in honor of the WWII pilots who flew the ‘Bent Wing Bird’ from the US Navy’s Outlying Forward Field, which became Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport. The building features a nose section, skylight cockpit and tail, and distinctive inverted gull wings from which the ‘Bent Wing Bird’ earned its nickname.
The interior continues the iconic theme with a two-story glass lobby and a museum-quality replica of the F4U Corsair suspended from the ceiling. Another distinctive feature in the lobby is the custom-made reception desk, crafted from the fuselage and wing flap of a WWII T-6 aircraft.
The desk features color-changing LED lights behind strips of Marston Mat, the innovative portable runway developed during WWII.
Brian Echard, owner of Bent Wing Flight Services, said, “In addition to allowing our operation to provide superb services, the new terminal building distinguishes Amelia Island’s airport as an iconic aviation landmark.
“As a general aviation facilitator, we serve as the community’s gateway from the sky, bringing additional tourism and commerce to the region. Our goal is to welcome guests with a memorable experience at a first-rate facility during their initial introduction to Amelia Island.”
The new terminal building features are designed to meet pilots’ needs with a designated flight planning room, comfortable pilot lounge and shower facilities. In addition, there is aviation-themed leather seating, two conference rooms, the canteen coffee bistro and a store featuring pilot supplies and local gifts.
Bent Wing Flight Services offers its customers full-service and self-serve fuel options, concierge services, courtesy and rental cars, catering services, hangar space and after-hours services.
