FBOs: Industry in Transition

Gibbs vs. San Diego

The National Air Transportation Association, which represents the interests of airport-based businesses, in a letter officially expressed its concern to the San Diego City Council regarding the city's refusal to renew the lease of Gibbs Flying Service, a fixed base operator on Montgomery Field for 68 years.

According to NATA, Gibbs is not being given an option to submit a request for proposal (RFP) for renewing its lease so that the airport can take over the property to provide aviation services. Gibbs' current 35-year lease is set to expire in May.

"Gibbs Flying Service represents a significant rental income to the city, and it appears that the city wants that income without providing for the amenities and services needed by the tenants of Montgomery Field," states Eric R. Byer, NATA vice president of government and industry affairs. "We are extremely disappointed in how the City of San Diego is handling the issue and have concerns regarding their leasing practices."

NATA has asked the City Council to stay the Gibbs Flying Service lease termination so an RFP can be issued and the Airport Division can compete equally with other responders to improve, provide the services of, and manage the facility.