The long-term vision is clear for the former Sano Jet Center, a 17-year-old fixed base operator at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE). The FBO recently rebranded as Fort Lauderdale Executive Jet Center, and as of Oct. 1, joined the Phillips 66 Aviation network.
These changes are the undertaking of a new business aviation duo, CFO Lynda Zur and CEO Marshall Myles. Zur has owned and managed the FBO since she and her husband built it in 2003. Together, Zur and Myles have already begun transforming the business, setting it up for growth.
Phase one of expansions began in November, when the business broke ground on a new 20,000-square-foot hangar. Upon its completion in 2020, the FBO will have a total of 120,000 sq. feet of space and six hangars, including a paint shop, maintenance facility and two hangars dedicated to transient storage. Additionally, lobby renovations are underway and will be completed by February, just in time for the Big Game in Miami.
Phase two of expansions will begin next year. The business will develop an additional 4.5 acres on which they’ll build another new hangar and additional ramp, with completion in 2021.
“I’m excited to build upon this foundation that Lynda’s built during the last 17 years,” said Myles. “We’ve just re-signed a 30-year lease, and we’re making a major investment in expansions. We both see a ton of opportunity to grow this FBO in Florida.”
According to Myles, Florida is one of the top 10 states in the U.S. in which business aircraft are registered. And the air traffic is substantial during the winter months, with roughly half of all registered aircraft in the U.S., based in the state. That, in addition to Florida’s commitment to the aerospace industry, makes Florida a hub for business aviation.
Prior to partnering with Zur, Myles spent more than a decade at Skyservice Business Aviation, the leader in the Canadian business aviation industry, and served as CEO from 2012-2019.
The FBO, which prides itself on operating as a boutique facility, participates in the full suite of programs offered by Phillips 66, including Contract Fuel and WingPoints Rewards, and utilizes a variety of training resources.
