With eight F-16 Fighting Falcons lined up outside their windows, it’s just another day at the office for the team at Apex Executive Jet Center (EJC). As the fastest-growing fixed base operator (FBO) at Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB), Apex EJC has become accustomed to supporting the flight operations of the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, Embraer Executive Jets and many of the 1,900 general aviation operations a week at the coastal Florida commercial airport.
But today is special for another reason: it’s the grand opening of the Center’s new 28,000 square foot hangar; with an additional 8,400 square feet of new office space with an upscale pilot and passenger lounge.
“Back in 2015 when we came to take a look at the existing facility for sale, other potential buyers saw runways, but we saw potential,” said Gary Hall, president of Apex Executive Jet Center. “We are keeping pace with this incredible airport’s growth.”
He noted that the strategically located airport was home to such corporate aviation and aerospace titans as Northrop Grumman, Thales, General Dynamics, Embraer Executive Jets, L-3, Rockwell Collins and the world headquarters of Harris Corporation. “Since we arrived here, Northrop Grumman alone has grown from 1,200 airside employees to more than 5,000, Thales had to move to a larger building to accommodate their growth and we now hear that Embraer Executive Jets may soon be acquired by Boeing. We say, welcome to the neighborhood!”
