Despite a deluge of floodwaters and debris caused by Hurricane Isaac, New Orleans’ historic Lakefront Airport (KNEW) and Avfuel-branded Hawthorne Global Aviation Services – the full-service FBO formerly known as AeroPremier Jet Center – are open and operational.
“Though Hawthorne‘s facilities did suffer significant flood damage, we immediately went into restoration mode and quickly made arrangements for water removal as well as for deconstruction and renovation,” said Hawthorne‘s General Manager, Jay Taffet. “We’re anticipating that the terminal renovation will take approximately two months; however, we have a temporary trailer arriving September 4, and fully expect that we can preserve our high levels of service despite this temporary inconvenience.”
Unlike most FBOs in the area, Hawthorne at Lakefront Airport suffered only a minor lapse in operations throughout the flooding. Hawthorne’s fuel supply did not suffer any water contamination and the availability of a back-up generator and finished upper-level space for office operations allowed the FBO to come back online and provide customers with clean, dry fuel as soon as the airport reopened.
Hawthorne’s temporary facilities will include a customer lobby, bathrooms, kitchen and access to additional services and amenities to keep guests comfortable. Having recently undergone a terminal rebuild when the FBO was operating as AeroPremier, Taffet said his staff is very experienced when it comes to providing seamless service from temporary space and does not anticipate that guests will notice any disruption.
“We’ll begin planning the renovation and reconstruction phases later this week,” Taffet said. “In the meantime, we’re just happy to be operational with a clean fuel supply so we can continue to meet the needs of our customers.”
Hawthorne Global Aviation Services is an Avfuel-branded FBO. Avfuel Contract Fuel and AVTRIP Points on applicable fuel purchases are available.
ABOUT AVFUEL CORPORATION
Avfuel provides fuel and services to the global aviation industry and is the leading independent supplier in the United States. Established as a supply and logistic company nearly 40 years ago, Avfuel is core competent in every aspect that surround the delivery of fuel – from refinery to wingtip. Our diverse market of customers include: fixed base operators, airlines, freight companies, corporate flight departments, military special operations and helicopter operators. Avfuel combines global access with personalized service throughout a fueling network over 2000 locations worldwide and 600+ Avfuel branded dealers and offers business solutions such as AVTRIP, an established, recognized pilot incentive program; the jet fuel savings program Avfuel Contract Fuel and Avplan, a flight-support and trip planning company for domestic and international customers. Our 100% dedication to aviation demonstrates our passion and commitment to a global community that prospers on the movement of goods and services around the world.
