Jan. 21--DESTIN -- Emerald Coast Aviation has closed its operations at Destin Airport.
Emerald Coast Aviation subleased services for Miracle Strip Aviation, one of two fixed-base operators at the airport. Under its agreement, Emerald Coast Aviation handled aircraft maintenance and repairs and flight instructions for Miracle Strip Aviation.
Jonathan Dunn, president of Emerald Coast Aviation, confirmed Friday that his company closed its operations earlier this week. Other than confirming the closing, he said there was little he could discuss.
"I can't discuss it. As much as I'd like to tell you the scenario around what's going on, it's in the hands of our attorneys," Dunn said.
Emerald Coast Aviation opened its branch operation at Destin Airport last April.
The company also is a full fixed-base operator at Bob Sikes Airport in Crestview and provides fueling services at Northwest Florida Regional Airport.
"We're doing better than ever in Crestview," Dunn said. "We're getting more customers, we're employing more people, we're getting more skilled jobs to the Crestview area. With the pulling out of our Destin operation, it's just going to strengthen our Crestview location, and the most important thing is creating more skilled jobs for the Crestview community."
Telephone calls to Miracle Strip Aviation seeking comment Friday afternoon were not returned.
Copyright 2012 - Northwest Florida Daily News, Fort Walton Beach
