Atlantic Aviation Grows Its Presence At Historic LGB

LONG BEACH, California – Approaching a year since Atlantic Aviation and Ross Aviation combined to form an FBO network powerhouse, Atlantic is expanding its footprint at historic Long Beach Airport (LGB).

Atlantic expects to open a new 35,000-sq-ft. hangar and more office space at the former Ross location in the fourth quarter, a period that will coincide with the 100th anniversary of LGB’s ground-breaking in November. Atlantic and Ross completed their merger in June 2022, creating a still-growing network of more than 100 FBO locations. Alongside Signature Flight Support, the company is one of two FBOs serving private aviation at LGB.

“Merging Ross Aviation and Atlantic Aviation brought together two aviation leaders and created an FBO network of over 100 locations that redefines expectations,” says Atlantic. “We have even more investment in safety, technology and sustainability, as well as an increased focus on the customer experience.”

A Grand Reception Area

Daniel Medina, Atlantic Aviation’s general manager at LGB, hosted BCA on a recent tour of the facility that started in its cylindrical reception area, which features a 600-gal. saltwater aquarium as its centerpiece. On the periphery at ground level is a conference room, private telephone booths, a pilots’ lounge and a flight-planning room. An 18-year veteran of the company, Medina formerly served as general manager of Atlantic’s Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) location.

BCA visited Atlantic Aviation in advance of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, which this year drew a reported 188,000 people to the city’s downtown over the course of three days. The FBO says it generally sees an increase in private aviation arrivals and departures during the annual event, some years more so than others. There are, of course, other reasons that bring air traffic to the airport.

“Not only does LGB support Long Beach directly, but we are also an overflow airport for the LAX and SNA markets,” says Atlantic Aviation, referring to Los Angeles International and John Wayne, Orange County airports. “We see increases in traffic for several events and attractions such as NASCAR racing and hockey and football games, as well as for some conferences held at the Long Beach Convention Center.”

Book-And-Claim Program

Atlantic Aviation operates a fleet of six fuel trucks at LGB, including two used for 100LL, plus one 3,000, two 7,000 and one 10,000-gallon Jet-A refuelers. Its supplier is World Fuel.

Pilots and operators using LGB can acquire sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through Atlantic’s book-and-claim program. Through book-and-claim, a pilot flying from an airport that does not have SAF physically available can purchase—or book—a specific quantity from a location that does supply SAF.

“Today, customers at LGB can purchase SAF through our book-and-claim process and will be provided with all pertinent documentation evidencing the emissions reduction impact,” Atlantic Aviation says. “LGB customers can be assured that every gallon purchased through our book-and-claim process benefits the environment, regardless of where the physical gallons are consumed.” 

“While we don’t have immediate plans to bring physical supply of SAF into LGB, Atlantic is strategically expanding SAF across our network with a keen focus on Southern California,” the FBO adds. “We are committed to providing efficient expansion of SAF where the environmental benefit is best preserved and enabling availability across the Atlantic network through our book-and-claim program.”

Future Growth At LGB

LGB is California’s oldest municipal airport—the city broke ground on the property on Nov. 26, 1923. The ongoing presence and future growth of private aviation is welcome news for LGB, which has undergone significant change in recent years. Boeing delivered the final C-17 military transport from its Long Beach assembly facility in 2015. JetBlue withdrew from the airport in 2020 and now Southwest has become the dominant airline.

Atlantic’s facility is located on the southwest side of the airport, opposite the main terminal area. The LGB historic terminal building temporarily closed in February for a year-long renovation that includes a “seismic retrofit” and restoration of many of its 1941 design elements. [The airport remains open and fully operational.] The renovation of the historic terminal, which is expected to reopen early next year, is the fourth project in a $110 million Phase II Terminal Area Improvement Program.

“Yes, LGB has been through many changes,” Atlantic Aviation observes. “The Long Beach community has deep aviation roots, which was key in the development of the city. We hope to see Long Beach continue to grow and bring many more opportunities for both the airport and business aviation.”