Big Island Jet Center (BIJC), a Hawaii-based aviation service provider, is set to open its newest fixed base operation (FBO) in Kailua-Kona with plans to open Dec. 14.
The $25 million facility will be located at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (PHKO), on an approximately 16-acre campus located on the Island of Hawaii.
According to General Manager Tom Owen, the FBO will initially open using a temporary terminal featuring indoor and outdoor seating, a pilot lounge, snack area and other amenities. Phase I of construction for the permanent 7,500 ft² terminal has begun and is expected to be completed in late 2024.
Phase II of construction will include “environmentally sensitive” hangars to house aircraft.
“We couldn’t be happier to open in time for the holiday season, providing exceptional services to Hawaii’s seasonal traffic and general aviation community alike,” says David Johnston, BIJC senior partner, who has lived on the Big Island for 18 years.
According to Owen, BIJC is the only locally owned, independent FBO on the Big Island of Hawaii. The facilities also include the airport’s only private fuel farm and general aviation ramp.
“Being independent, BIJC can cater to the needs of individual flight departments and owners whom we get to know personally. No one is just a number at Big Island Jet Center,” Owen said.
The PHKO location will offer services such as AvFuel jet fuel, contract fuel acceptance, aircraft cleaning and rental cars through its partner, Go Rentals. Additionally, the more than 9-acre ramp will be large enough to accommodate aircraft sizes up to an Airbus A319, according to BIJC.