Jul. 17—HOLLAND — An East Coast aviation company is purchasing FlyBy Air, West Michigan Regional Airport's fixed base operator, and will take over FlyBy Air's contract with the airport.

The fixed base operator (FBO) is a private company that offers aviation services at the airport, including charter flights, fuel service, airplane maintenance, aircraft rental, customer service and flight lessons.

The airport authority approved the transfer of the fixed-base operator contract to FlightLevel Aviation Monday. FlightLevel's contract with WMRA is good for 20 years.

"After careful evaluation, we are pleased to welcome FlightLevel Aviation to WMRA as our FBO," said WMRA Director Aaron Thelenwood in a press release announcing the change.

"Not only does FlightLevel Aviation provide the same high-quality services that we received under Flyby Air, they have shown great interest in furthering the airport's goals of business and community development."

FlightLevel has agreed to maintain staffing levels and provide jobs to all current Flyby Air employees at the Holland airport, WMRA said.

FlightLevel is acquiring FlyBy Air, formerly known as Tulip City Air Service, including its operations in Muskegon and Traverse City.

The company, based in Norwood, Mass., serves as FBO for 10 small East Coast airports.

The transfer of ownership closed July 15.

The airport said FlightLevel would continue to offer the same services as FlyBy Air at WMRA, and fuel and maintenance costs were not expected to change under the new company.

— Contact reporter Carolyn Muyskens at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter at @cjmuyskens.

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